Ummm.. Yes please! Very seasonal menu with very unique creations. Service was spot on. Between the host, runners, and our server, the professionalism mixed with genuine friendliness was extremely impressive. It was nice to see a waitstaff that really enjoys their job... Or appeared to anyway, haha. And the kitchen definitely knows what's up. The plating, presentation and flavors made every dish stand out in their own way. It was outstanding. The ambiance and decor inside also made the dining room beautiful. And another plus: we ordered 2 cocktails and 4-5 dishes and 2 desserts (yeah, we were hungry) and it was under $100. Highly recommended.
(5)
J W.
Service was excellent, food was amazing, and ambience is incredible. Beautiful decor. We told them it was our anniversary in our Opentable reservation, so every person who waited on us wished us a happy anniversary, and we were presented with a special anniversary "treat"! Highly recommend! I had been wanting to try this place, but we never really make it into Lincoln Park anymore. Well, we stayed at the Hotel Lincoln for our anniversary, so this was an obvious stop for food. Well done!!!
(5)
Ben S.
A-OK sounds just about right. We enjoyed the food, interesting, slightly innovative and tasty. Nothing blew my hair back but could not be described any worse than . . . good! I am not a fan of small/medium/large portions. There is some reason there but I just don't really care. Appetizer, soup/salad, entree . . . it has worked for years. Why are we spending our time on this? Spend time on the food. When people spend time on gimmicks, tells me they know they are not planning on being around for long. Decor is not my taste. Cold and modern that did not grow on me. Host/Waitress/Staff in general were cold and modern too, favoring a "I don't give a damn about you" attitude. Glad we tired it, do not care to go back but would if forced to. Sitting outside seems like it would be cool. Come to think of it, in consideration of the outside sitting and location, would be a good place to try in June.
(3)
Denise B.
Came here for brunch on a weekend back in town, the result... delicious! Good, choice, Mom. Since I no longer live in Chicago, I never had a chance to try the previous incarnation of Perennial Virant, but I'm definitely a fan of the current status. Service was prompt and excellent and we had a great table by a heat lamp outdoors with a great view for people watching. The mimosas were a great addition to the fun, trendy ambiance well-suited to Lincoln Park. My omelette was beyond delicious, complemented by the toast they brought me. I had enough fun just from Perennial Virant's vibe that I'd probably have been ok with just average tasting food, but excellent food brought it up to sky high levels. There's no doubt I'd love to come back the next time I'm in Chi-town.
(5)
Elizabeth S.
...and still nothing from the manager. My friend had to pay her deductible and go through her insurance after the valet got in an accident (the police determined he was at fault). Does management read these?????
(1)
Jaime S.
Had a great date here. We split a bunch of sharing plates and asked our server to recommended a wine that paired well w/anything and he did. It was over a month ago so all I can remember is that the Gnudi was delicious and that it is a killer date spot.
(5)
Elana L.
I really enjoyed PV. The wine and food were wonderful. What I really appreciated was the fact that the wines were not priced ridiculously. The french gnocchi was amazing. Little fluffy pillows of goodness. It was a great place for a date. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for great food with equally great wine. Plus the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. I will be back soon
(4)
Lisa Z.
I did brunch here with a group for a baby shower. The servers and host went above and beyond the call and were very helpful to our party. In addition, the food was fabulous! Everyone enjoyed everything immensely, and the sticky bun . . . ooooh, the sticky bun. I can't wait to go back and try dinner, accompanied by an excessive amount of cocktails!
(4)
Adrian J.
Having tried Vie in Western Springs, Virant's newest venture would be the only logical choice. I had not been to the old Perennial so this is just based on my experience with Virant's take on the matter. The restaurant is somewhat upscale casual. All the servers are wearing jeans and the prices reflect this. The prix fixe is $37 and most bottles of wine hover around $40-$50. The menu changes daily but one thing that stands out (and get it if they're offering it) is the rabbit pierogi. Very delicious although some more traditional people may scoff at paying $19 for 4 pierogis. The service was pretty consistent. There were a few hiccups but that's to be expected. In between courses, the food did take a long pause and the waiter came to check on us and assure us the food was coming out. The place is extremely loud. I was there on a week night and it was full of people grabbing dinner after work and some gold coast/lincoln park families as well. Did not have a chance to sample the cocktail menu so I can't comment on that. Overall an enjoyable experience. Just don't expect another Vie.
(4)
Lauren S.
This place has been on my Chicago restaurant bucket list since I moved here 3 years ago, so when the opportunity to go came about, I wouldn't turn it down. I went during Restaurant Week and was very pleased. The staff was friendly and very accommodating and the restaurant itself is well-decorated, yet still feels comfortable. The menu we chose from was great--I had the butternut squash soup for my first course (you could also choose a salad)--beyond delicious! I noticed that the wait staff has a very coordinated system in terms of setting and clearing the table, which I appreciated and enjoyed watching. My main course was a fish flavored with olives atop a bed of greens with a side of creamy polenta (the other option was pork loin with root veggies). It was fantastic. The dessert course was a choice of apple-filled crepes or a chocolate cake with lemon confit. I went for the chocolate and was not disappointed. I would love to go back and try items off of their regular menu, and I plan to do so, especially since you get 15% off brunch if you bring in your receipt!
(5)
Tracy F.
Went here for brunch on a Saturday. The staff is friendly and the service is great. I really enjoyed the food and they have a great brunch selection. I only wish the portions (food and drink!) were larger.
(4)
J D.
Contemporary American, innovative and delicious. The atmosphere is inviting and waitstaff are most knowledgeable and attentive. Currently they are offering a variety of seasonal pickled fruits and vegetables from the summer months.
(5)
Maggie S.
While I was staying at the Hotel Lincoln, I had both dinner and breakfast here. The dinner was nice -- absolutely everything was pretty well done, and the ambiance was nice -- but really what was grand was the breakfast. Oatmeal was done wonderfully, nice use of fruit from the farmer's market across the street, a latte from the coffee shop in the hotel was marvelous, and everything was speedy. Just exceptionally solid!
(4)
Kelly C.
The perfect spot for groups. This foodie haven has great food, service and ambiance. Paul Virant creates a unique menu that all can enjoy. I will take my friends here for brunch, my family for a fun dinner and celebrate a Chicago summer night with anyone who wants to accompany me on the patio. If you do have brunch, you must order the cheese curds.
(4)
Shannon H.
I'm a big fan of Paul Virant. I first ate at his restaurant, Vie, in Western Springs 6 years ago and thought it was exceptional. I was excited to hear he was taking over Perennial and thought Chicago deserved to be introduced to his food. My husband and I went last night. The staff -- friendly, the decor -- inviting, the menu -- promising. Virant likes pickling and his dishes showcased this passion. Problem was, not much of the meal was memorable. Started with a salad of "Apple and Roots": carrots, kohlrabi, roasted pecans, parsley, and an apple butter vinaigrette. This I liked. It reminded me of a pecan pie mixed with an apple pie. Fresh, crunchy, warm spices -- I wanted more. Next was the gnocchi. Virant is known for his light and crispy gnocchi. The dish, composed of mushrooms, roasted roots, truffle butter, and aged provolone was not spectacular. Mainly, the provolone overpowered the dish. Although I did like the textures -- chewy mushrooms, soft, yet crisp gnocchi and a rich truffle sauce. Following the gnocchi was the Slagel lamb cassoulet: smoked loin, leg, sausage, navy beans, and bread crumbs. What was nice about this dish was it wasn't too heavy. The sauce was light, the beans were al dente, and the lamb was layered on top. Maybe it needed a bit more punch? Salt? For our entrees, we chose the pork coated in peppercorns served with roasted celery root, pickled asparagus, and a brandy cream sauce. If you love pepper, this dish was still too peppery. If you dislike pepper, the dish was inedible. I happen to love pepper. The balance was just not there. We also chose the "most ordered meal on the menu": a 28 day dry-aged grilled beef loin served with fried butterball potatoes, greens, creamed leeks, red wine sauce, and bone marrow butter. The potatoes were similar to what you would eat at brunch and everything else was tasty because how could it not. Memorable -- not so much. I never order chocolate for dessert but the chocolate custard tart with salty pretzels sounded like a promising ending. It was definitely chocolate driven, but missing the salt entirely. I had one bite that had a bit of salt to it. Disappointing. We entered hoping to re-create a similar experience to Vie - a chef who studied under Paul Kahan, who made his own condiments, pickled the bounty of the season, and served perfectly executed dishes that were exciting and memorable. We left with no desire to go back and a list of other restaurants we wished we had gone to instead.
(3)
Emily F.
Not sure why they changed the name because it seems pretty similar to the old Perennial, but that's just fine w/ me. Might be a little pricey, but is the best brunch spot in Old Town. Great food, great mimosas, great seating. What else do you need on a summer weekend? Granted, I've never had the dinner here, but it seems like a good date spot that probably has decent food.
(5)
Jessica H.
One of Chicagos best restaurants! I love everything this place has to offer. Great service, amazing food, laid back atmosphere... what could be better. If you want to read more about my experience check out: atetherewrotethat.com/20…
(5)
Laurie W.
great experience. unique menu selections. would dine here again.
(4)
John K.
Last night a few friends and I went to Perennial. We had a great experience sitting on the patio and eating good food, drinking good drinks and enjoying a leisurely meal. We started with cocktails which were tasty; although I will say watch out for The Lulubelle because it is very strong. My friend coughed after her first sip. Next we had the Midwestern Cheeses - including a cheddar with some great preserves, a blue with great honey. The Gnocchi was awesome. It could not have been a better dish. Made with russet potatoes. Delicious! We shared this wonderful tomato salad that was truly amazing and worth a second trip in one week! Finally, we switched to some good wines by the glass and entrees. My friend got the oxtail and it was so tender and wonderful. I got the bean salad with peaches and the scallops. The scallops were cooked perfectly and had a bit of heat to them. But the true outstanding winner was this Italian Sausage dish with potatoes. The sausage was so tasty and the potatoes and sauce so creamy/butter amazing that we were all so jealous of her dish. Then we grabbed desert and dessert wines because we were having such a good time, that we no longer cared that it was Monday. I got the peach tiramisu and it was totally totally creamy and light and amazing. My friends shared the fritters served with honey and preserves. They were light and the honey stole the show. It was so good taht we asked for some to go. This was my 2nd time here in 2 years and if my previous experience had been as good as this one; it would not have taken me over a year to come back. Virant totally impressed last night.
(5)
Aaron K.
Opening night for Perennial Virant and the I have to say if things keep up like they were tonight the Boka gentleman have another winner on their hands. The redesign for PV matches the food chef Paul is putting out perfectly. Simple, understated but with an energy and flow like few others. Speaking to the food, you can't go wrong. I've never seen chef Paul put out an average dish and he isn't about to start now. Highlights tonight were the rabbit ballontine, cornbread and the crispy rice (which is nearly the most decadent grilled cheese I've ever had.) Dessert should not be missed either as Kady Yon has transformed it into delicious art (much like her work at BOKA and GT Fish and Oyster.) Given this is a Wed night our cocktail sampling was on the low end, but the wife and I both agreed that the pairing of drinks (most with earthy undertones) and food was spot on. We're looking forward to returning for a more extensive cocktailing tour.
(5)
Abigail D.
Yeah I must say I prefer you Perennial Virant for breakfast/brunch then Nookies, because you too deliver the classics with a twist..with you home grown fresh produce. I salute you. Sometimes I feel though the food is kinda cool, not in the good way but in the "hey warm up my food" way... I enjoy dinner too, very romantic. Food I must say is superb.
(4)
Jessica V.
The charcuterie plate is delicious...as is the homemade bread. We had the pork and the whitefish, and I cannot even decide which I liked better. Both dishes were cooked perfectly, with an interesting mix of flavors and ingredients. There was just enough food...not enough to take leftovers, which are always nice to have the next day. The pricing is a bit high, but we were very satisfied with the meal and thought it was well worth it! The only downside was that they were out of two of the fish dishes, leaving only the whitefish. But it was also late on a Sunday night. The decor is very clean and simple, with beautiful lighting and a nice bar. Good service. Easy street/ meter parking.
(4)
Tiff W.
Perennial Virant is PROMISING. First off, the inside is great. I love the lounge area where you can sit down and order drinks while you wait for your table to be ready. The Name TBD cocktail with blueberries is one of my new favorites. Light-tasting, refreshing, yet still strong. I can drink those all night long. The two of us each got the seasonal prix fixe menu and ordered different dishes so we would get to try every option on the fixed menu. We also ordered the cornmeal cake and the grilled asparagus a la carte. Our first courses, the smoked trout and the pork shoulder, were absolutely amazing. The smoked trout was perfect and the pork shoulder was so tender. You can tell that these ingredients are EXTREMELY fresh. When our server was talking about the menu and said, "We picked some of these ingredients from the ground this morning," I was like "SUUURE..." But you know what? After my first bite of food, I believed him. That's how fresh and tasty everything was. We got our cornmeal cake & grilled asparagus next. The cornmeal cake with tomatoes was so incredibly light. The grilled asparagus with fried hen egg and burrata was HEAVEN. Seriously, this is a must-get. Our main courses is what drops Perennial Virant from five to four stars. The crispy whitefish was good. Good, not great. Upon tasting it, my boyfriend said, "I can make this at home." Sorry Paul Virant, I know you're an awesome chef, but yes, that crispy whitefish just seemed a little TOO simple. I really really wanted to love my chicken fricasse. Unfortunately, whoever made it had a really heavy hand with the salt. I don't like my food to be overly salted, and the salt just completely overpowered the natural flavor of the chicken. I also had to chug about 3 glasses of water after eating it. We got the additional cheese course and it was great. Who would have thought that gouda and rhubarb jam would make such a great pairing? The dessert was phenomenal as well...pound cake with some toasted milk ice cream. Delicious! I really really wanted to give Perennial Virant five stars, but I can't on account of our entrees, mainly because of my oversalted chicken. However, that being said, I think if they work out some of these minor issues, it can be a GREAT restaurant. I love the whole farm to table fresh local cooking concept, and Perennial Virant definitely has the potential to be one of the leaders in Chicago.
(4)
Faith D.
Brunch with 2 gal pals on a Saturday morning. Lovely restaurant - and now part of (I imagine) the newly refurbished Hotel Lincoln. For those of you old enough to remember, it is located in the spot formerly occupied by Jeff's Laugh-In from a very, very long time ago. Servers were efficient and polite, but didn't bug you. Food looked good but tasted so-so. I had 2 basted eggs (these were fine), beer jam sausage (okay), home fries with cheese curds (fries way over cooked/dry and cheese curds so salty they were awful). A miniscule slice of rye toast cut in half. Did they run out of bread or is this just Lincoln Park chi-chi? Coffee was good. We didn't have drinks but bloody marys being served looked small and not "hearty" if you know what I mean. One friend had the smoked salmon and grits; the other had a skillet. I think they liked theirs fine. Not over-priced but I can get much better food for less money in a zillion other places. Not so sure I'd go back. Also -- my fault that I didn't complain/mention to a server or manager. So pretty place, great location, but not the best food ever.
(2)
S.Y. D.
I decided to celebrate my 30th birthday dinner at Perennial Virant earlier this month. I had a pretty large turnout of about 12-14 people at first. Given our size, I have to give a big thank you to the staff and hosts at Perennial Virant. They did their due diligence in following up with me since I made reservations and I wasn't sure what the exact number was going to be. They were very accommodating and I have to say the service and attention-to-detail was top notch. That being said, the food was excellent and on the same level as their service. Between our large group, we covered most of the appetizers and main dishes. Everyone loved what they ordered. It was also great that Paul Virant, came out from the back and chatted with us a little bit. For me, I had the Salmon as my main dish. It was cooked to perfection! Since it was my birthday, I also had a chance to try a variety of their specialty drinks. I asked our server what she recommended based on the type of drinks I like. She made some great recommendations. From start to finish, it was a great dining experience.
(5)
Rod O.
If you went to the original Perennial and didn't like it, you must come back for this version. Perennial Virant is absolutely amazing. Everything we tried was really good and the service was very attentive and friendly. The only thing that we ordered and didn't like was the beef short rib but everything else was delicious! Definitely try the gnocchi and scallops, some of the best I have ever had!
(5)
Lois A.
The service really puts this place over the top. I I can't say enough nice things about the way we were treated. The pickled green bean and asparagus in the bloody mary tasted amazing. So did the spicy tomato on anything. Chicken sausage and gravy = a very good time. And cheese curds! This is a great place to start a weekend.
(5)
Sean D.
Food was pretty good. The freshest of ingredients. But what I walked away feeling good about was the mood and setting. Was there with work friends and we had a blast...which was encouraged by the entire staff that came to our table. Great outdoor seating if you like people watching. Great cocktails...so great in fact that I have to go back there to try and remeber all of the things I ate. They make their own honey so get the cheese plate.
(4)
Samuel M.
Came here with the fam for my birthday dinner; since it's #5 on Chicago mag's 20 best restaurants of 2011, ahead of personal favorites of mine such as Au Cheval and Libertad, my expectations were through the roof. Perennial Virant did not disappoint, but it didn't bring the house down either. The name of the game here is simple, well-executed cuisine made from high quality seasonal ingredients. When I say seasonal, I mean seasonal; the menu changes so fast that the items advertised on the posted menu outside were different from the items at the actual restaurant. While this is a confusing oversight and represents a mistake, I think it's also a testament to the freshness of everything. We started with the "little bloom on the prairie" ($25); fortunately not an Outback-style bloomin' onion as we originally thought, but a large camembert grilled crispy on the outside, warm on the inside, and served with housemade brown bread and raspberry compote. It tastes slightly worse than it sounds, although that's unfair because it sounds unbelievably good, and it does feel a little steep in terms of cost. Charcuterie plate ($15; on this day, containing chicken liver pate, spicy beef sausage and housemade coppa salami) is definitely big enough to share; don't do as I did and order it for a personal appetizer. Seasonal lettuces ($9), served simply with tomato vinaigrette and a generous portion of chevre, are a perfect start to a farmhouse chic meal such as this, and the chevre is among the best I've tasted. Grilled rainbow trout ($27), served with buttermilk mashed potatoes and a melange of fresh vegetables (radishes and snow peas) is perfectly cooked and delicious, although the flavors are too light for this to be memorable. There are a lot of places in Chicago that do mellow fresh fish dishes well, and this didn't stand out in my mind. The salmon ($25), on the other hand, with prosciutto and grilled vegetables, is divine. Desserts ($8) are somewhat hit and miss; the Mouton frais fritters are tiny warm beignet-oid donuts made with sheep's milk cheese, and are every bit as good as they sound. The cookie assortment, on the other hand, was somewhat pedestrian aside from the carrot cookie sandwich with cream cheese frosting. Of note, the bar makes an excellent Manhattan. Service is very friendly and surprisingly down-to-Earth; it helped this restaurant avoid seeming pretentious, which was a concern of mine. The space is beautiful, particularly on a nice summer night like last night. All in all, Perennial Virant does an excellent job with serving very fresh, highly seasonal food in a simple way, but by no means does it crack my personal upper echelon of Chicago restaurants. I'd say it's well worth a trip during your favorite food season!
(4)
Tina R.
My husband and I had dinner there during Restaurant Week. The hostess and our waiter were very friendly and easy going. The lighting was dim and gave a cozy atmosphere while the decor was clean and had an earthy feeling to it. We started with a well-priced glass of pinot noir and a very tasty cocktail. The restaurant week menu had two choices per course so we decided to get the entire menu plus the gnocchi, which I had heard rave reviews about. We started with the butternut squash soup, it was the most perfect winter soup I have had in a restaurant by far, and the local lettuce salad, very fresh and tasty veggies. We then shared the fish with greens, a tomato-based sauce, and super creamy polenta, and the pork loin with root veggies. Both were yummy and very cleanly prepared so that they emphasized the natural flavors of the foods. The portions were decently sized, though not huge, so we were glad to have ordered the gnocchi with mushrooms. And omg, everyone was right about how amazing the gnocchi was- surprisingly light and fluffy but crispy on the outside, smothered with a delicious sauce of mushrooms. Absolutely heavenly. Finally, our dessert was the apple crepes (tasted exactly like an apple pie but less heavy than a real piece of pie) and the chocolate cake (rich and wonderfully chocolately, a favorite). Overall, a fantastic experience and great value for the restaurant week menu. Perennial Virant definitely deserves a 4.5! I couldn't give it a full 5 since the entrees didn't completely wow me and only the gnocchi and soup truly stood out to me. I'd like to go back and try their full menu.
(4)
Zoe N.
The food here will make your eyeballs roll back into your skull (in a good way). The service is excellent on both sides of the bar. Is it pricy? Of course it is. If, like myself, you're not part of the upper class elite this isn't a place you go to once a week on a whim. It's a treat, and it's worth it. Buy the ticket, take the ride. Your taste buds will treasure the memories for ages to come.
(5)
AJ T.
Ordered everything on the Chef's Menu for $39/person. - Local Lettuces Salad with Fresh Chevre: I really enjoyed this salad, and I don't usually enjoy chevre, but I really loved it in this salad. It was sweet and creamy--perfect with the acidity of the dressing. A nice size portion. - Mushroom Soup: Very strong mushroom flavor & very rich. Not my personal favorite. - Whitefish: Good, not great, though this was one of the better dishes. Very crispy skin, which I enjoyed. I liked the vinaigrette-type sauce that the noodles were dressed in. - Gunthorp Chicken Combo: Just not good. If you insist on the Chef's menu, order the fish. - Sweet Potato Pie: I wish this dish was served warm. Additionally, it comes with a heaping tablespoon of what I thought was ice cream, only to discover it was whipped cream--kind of a let down. I don't really like the chewy crust; I wanted it to be crunchy and crispy, and I found the filling to be over spiced. - Ice Cream Bar: Why so few brownie bites in comparison to ice cream? This was a nice dessert, but I think the common thread = nothing blew me away. The food ranges between not good (chicken combo) to just good. - Carnaroli Rice: Ordered this on the recommendation of my server; he gave us the hard sell for this dish, which turned out to be a glorified deep-fried cheese curd. Skip it. All that being said, there's a lot to be said about ambience & decor that it almost bumps this place up to 3 stars. I enjoyed the experience of eating here, but I'd say don't come here for the food... at least on the chef's menu. I can't speak for anything on their regular menu.
(2)
Catherine B.
Having come here last Friday night after a long day of sailboat racing with my team, I don't know if I'm the best judge of the food but service was definitely up there. We were seated outside right away which was good because inside was extremely noisy . Our waitress took drink orders immediately but wasn't really able to answer my question about the Domaine Montrose rose. Which didn't matter anyway because my rose never came out- I got a sauv blanc instead. I though about complaining but it was really good (a little dark outside & hadn't noticed the color) and I didn't want the team to give me crap. We got bread plates but no bread came & our skipper held up a plate and said, "what are these?" After that the highlight of the evening was our bread & water server who had a really great personality. Not good with names but I learned he was born before 1976 when he joined our game of guessing dates of old TV sitcoms. On to dinner which came surprising quickly-it disappeared as fast as we could stuff ourselves. We had two trouts, soft-shelled crabs and the beef loin. I love soft shell crabs, but these were a little soggy and chewy maybe due to the bread sauce and relish. The four of us finished every morsel, but like I said we were not in the best condition to savor our food! After dinner we headed up to the roof top bar of Hotel Lincoln to complete our evening. We had a view of the full moon peaking thru the clouds over the city and a number of other sailors had joined the party up there. Would definitely stay at the Hotel again and eat at PV.
(4)
Nicky S.
My friend graduated from Northwestern with a Master's degree and it was much warranted to celebrate with loved ones and gourmet food. The atmosphere is lovely. More like attending a dinner party at a well to do friend's house than a stuffy bistro. Our party of 7 had the Charcuterie platter and Calamari to begin with and were blown away. the Calamari in particular was an unexpected gem. Garbanzo beans cooked to perfection and grilled calamari in a warm bath of savory lardo that finished on a note of just the right amount of spice. Our entrees consisted of the whitefish, salmon, rainbow trout and chicken parm. Everyone cleaned their plates. I would like to give a special shout out to the duck fat cabbage that accompanied the whitefish. Impeccable. A common observation from our group was the flavors in each dish that were separate but lent a special note to come together in a beautiful symphony of flavor. I would recommend Perennial Virant for dinner. Tips: The Valet is in front of the hotel to the left of the restaurant. You can enter the restaurant through the hotel. Walk to the front desk area, take a right and walk through the black framed glass door. No sign. Step up, and remember to step down after leaving the restaurant, as the floor slopes and one could be caught off guard after sampling the fine wine. The bathroom is in the lobby of the hotel.
(4)
Heidi R.
I really don't know what to say about Perennial. I had the HIGHEST hopes for this place and was SO excited to come here. My friend had gone here once and told me the pork belly was unbelievable, and I am a HUGE pork belly lover so I was so excited when I saw it on the menu for restaurant week. My boyfriend and I came with a reservation and got sat quickly. The restaurant is really nice and all the staff seemed very good as well. Unfortunately, when we looked at the menu neither the pork belly or the gnocchi appetizer that was on the on-line menu were available. When we asked the server he said they had ran out but pointed out other sides we could purchase in addition to the restaurant week prix fix menu. BUMMER. We were so upset (or I was) that I contemplated leaving. The one reason I came to Perennial and instead I was left with an option of white fish or pork loin. I went with the pork loin and it actually was quite tasty. I had a salad to start and my boyfriend and I shared the apple crepes and Boston cream pie for desserts. I would love to come back here when they have more pork belly in stock or I'd like to even try brunch here as I hear its quite lovely. I live down the street and always see people dining outside and it seems to be a really neat place to go.
(3)
Jen O.
The brunch menu is sometimes a little limited for me. But the ambiance and service are consistently good!
(4)
Ian B.
Great food and excellent service. Went here before Second City and had a blast at both places. A bit pricey.
(4)
Barbara B.
We had a fantastic late dinner here last night. The service could not have been better, from the hostess to our waitress Sara (Sarah?) to the bus staff. We arrived shortly before the kitchen closed at ten, and never felt rushed. We shared four delicious appetizers - sweet scallops, spring-fresh green salad (yum!), terrific rice dish and a crispy-outside / tender and tasty-inside pork belly. Too full to order dessert, we were gifted two chocolate chip cooked with our check. Been here before, we'll be back! The room was really comfortable, still lively but never loud.
(4)
Marie D.
Yummy appetizers, cocktails and desserts. Main courses were OK, my shepherds pie wasn't as awesome as I had hoped and my husband said his pork Lin was just OK. Enjoyed the atmosphere, would go back.
(4)
Melissa S.
Staff was amazing and the food was delicious! The gnocchi appetizer was soo good and I would recommend the fritters for desert.
(5)
Tony P.
My girlfriend and I tried this place last night for this first time for Valentines day. The dinner was their fixed menu, but the lobster, duck, tenderloin, and dessert were all fantastic. They even had a great wine pairing with every dish for only $25. Make sure to try and arrive a few minutes be fore you reservation and grab a drink on top of the Hotel Lincoln...Beautiful view! We cant wait to go back and try their a la carte menu.
I've been here twice. Both times were very good, but I think that I might recommend the breakfast over the dinner. Locally grown produce and meets are used. All food are described well by the wait-staff. Inside and outside seating is available.
(4)
J C.
Excellent, attentive service and local, vibrant food. Trout was very tasty and cooked perfectly. Salads tasted fresh from the farm. Drinks are a standout. I highly recommend for dinner.
(5)
Yaeko M.
Awesome food, service, ambience. We had 3 pre-fixed chicago restaurant week menu. 1) local lettuce garden salad or butter nut squash soup, 2) grilled fish or pork loin, 3) apple crepe with ice cream or chocolate cake. We tasted all of them and all were delicious! The service was excellent and atmosphere was elegant yet comfortable. I had a wonderful dining experience. I love to go back there to try other dishes.
(5)
Hannah N.
Best restaurant i went to all restaurant week. Would love to go back and even pay full price. Impeccable technique. I mean, I wasn't all that excited about the cloyingly sweet butternut squash soup. But parsnip beignets... Yum. And I still want to know how that chicken breast was cooked. I am guessing it involved some serious sous vide to get it so tender without any bones, but I still have no idea how the skin was made so deliciously crisp. Magic? I have always wanted to say this word in relation to food and could never find the right situation till now... very unctuous and indulgent without feeling heavy at all.
(4)
Rachel K.
Such a great place with truly fantastic service. I brought my parents here when they were visiting Chicago for the weekend, and we scheduled Second City's "Dinner and a Show" package. We came in knowing that we would be limited to the prixe fixe menu that comes with the package, but were pleasantly surprised at the freedom and variety that was offered to us. My parents had no problem adhering to their pescetarian diets! Our waiter, Jason, was incredibly knowledgeable about the sources of the food, the manner in which it was prepared, and recommended great wine pairings. We walked away having had an elegantly prepared three course meal with great service, and made it to Second City in plenty of time.
(5)
Penny L.
Great for the area. Not sure if I'd go back.
(4)
John M.
Perennial is the best! Beyond delicious! They are the kindest, most accommodating place we have been lately. Boban, our Macedonian waiter, was unbelievable!
(5)
Dusty K.
Perennial Virant (PV) is perennially amazing. Not having visited this restaurant prior to Mr. Virant's takeover, I have no comparison to the former Perennial. But I was fully impressed with my brunch last Sunday. From the service to the atmosphere to the food, this place is made for Chicago's beautiful late summer days. The weather was perfect; 70 degrees, low humidity and a breeze reminding you of early fall. PV had it's doors swung wide open providing us with an outdoor eating experience inside. I'm a food snob. There, I said it. So I don't have a great appreciation for the diner-style brunch served up by many local places. Greasy eggs, flavorless white toast and bacon in mass quantities. I want something different. Something better. Fresh, local, seasonal produce prepared in simple way to let the summer flavors shine. PV follows this basic principle. I went with the french toast. It was served with diced up seasonal nectarines and locally sourced maple syrup. The flavors were outstanding and I really enjoyed the sweetness in the dish. The outer edges had nice texture from the crust while the inner portion was creamier and melted in your mouth. On the side I sampled the chorizo, potatoes and curds, and the sticky bun. All were different than what I was expecting but done very well. I loved the pecans and caramel served with the sticky bun. I was licking the plate by the end. I've heard great things of the dinner menu but brunch at PV was perfect. Good service, great food, and a late summer morning dining al fresco style. There's nothing better.
(4)
Emily S.
I did not like the new Perennial. That makes me sad, because I loved the old Perennial! They managed to revamp the entire restaurant so it looks like...every other newer restaurant in the city. Not a fan of the new decor. We waited for 45 minutes past our reservation time, which is always irritating. The food was not that great. I actually enjoyed the veg dishes we ordered (the asparagus, the peas and the corn cake with burrata cheese), but I did not like the meat dishes. The smoked short ribs with pickled mushrooms was just gross. The other beef dish had no flavor at all. The "small plates" aren't really small plates - they are kind of an awkward size for a "small plate" and not really large enough to make up an entree on their own (however, they are priced like an entree). I will go back when they re-open for brunch, but I was pretty disappointed with the new dinner menu. I don't think I will go back.
(2)
Stefanie B.
I was so excited to have dinner here last night. Knowing how much I loved this place when it was Perennial, I thought I would be Ooo'ing and Ahhh'ing all over the meal....mmmm, not so much. The atmosphere is way better and you can't beat the outdoor seating, but that's about where my Ooo'ing stopped. The food is consistently tasty and it's presented beautifully, but the portions are about 1/2 the size they were before and the prices just don't cut it anymore. Really, I'm not a huge eater and after we finished our meals we looked at each other and said...uh, I'm hungry. Such a bummer. I left without an Ooo or an Ahh and the only thing I could think was, hummmph.
(3)
rebecca c.
Fantastic!
(5)
A L.
Bright, clean flavors that burst with farmed freshness. Every dish was well thought-out but not overly complicated. The quality and selection of the ingredients and the way it was combined to create flavors is original and impressive. LOVE the menu format of small, medium, large rather than the traditional appetizer and main courses. We're not big eaters and ordered 3 smalls and 2 mediums between 2 people and it was the perfect amount of food. The server did not pressure us to order more and was in fact very honest about portion size. Drinks -- Very creative (and tasty) cocktails and an extensive and reasonably priced wine list. Decor -- Great atmosphere, big open room with hip but relaxed decor. Very casual chic. The chef came out to chat with some of the tables. We figured he was greeting regulars but our server took notice of how much we were enjoying our meal and brought him over to meet us. A nice surprise and a classy touch. Chef Virant was great -- down-to-earth and very pleasant. Overall a most enjoyable experience!
(5)
A.K. R.
With all the great press PV has gotten, a fellow foodie friend and I were excited to try it on a visit to Chicago. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed overall. Service and ambiance were great. Fantastic cocktails and a decent wine list. But the food was just so-so. We ordered the smoked trout beignets and seared diver scallops for starters. Beignets were bland and dry. While the scallops were cooked well, something in the dish (pickled meyer lemon rind?) was off-puttingly bitter, and overpowered the delicate flavor of the scallops. We both ordered the duck confit entree, and were also disappointed -- barely warm, not crisp, and a bit on the dry side. Despite the great service and drinks, I'm afraid I wouldn't go back. Maybe it was an off night being a Monday evening, but I expected better quality food.
(2)
Camille P.
What a lovely Sunday brunch at Perennial Virant! I wanted to hit this place up when it was simply "Perennial" but never got the chance so I can't give a comparison but I can say that it's pretty damn good since the switch. The menu was pretty limited but we managed to find some very tasty morsels on it. There were only a few 'complete' dishes with the rest being more of a 'build your own' type scenario. We opted for one 'complete' and one 'build your own'. Note the 'sticky buns' extension. Yeah, we did want it... but we didn't get it. Complete: 3 egg omelette (why do people put 3 eggs in omelettes? It's too many.) with chevre (aka goat cheese), Prosciutto, arugula pesto, radishes. The cheese was creamy and tangy, the Prosciutto; salty, the radishes; fresh, the pesto; lost. Quite tasty overall but you really had to hunt for the flavor of the pesto. And the Prosciutto could have sliced a little thinner to make it easier to cut and chew. It wasn't very tender, but it was, of course, delicious none the less. Overall, though, it was way above average as far as omelettes go. For our 'build your own' we decided on poached eggs, spicy kale & pickled onions and creamy grits. Fab, fab and fab. Seriously. Everything was perfectly seasoned, the grits tasted like corn (not butter or cheese) and I could have eaten a bathtub full of the kale. It was sauteed with a little oil and/or butter (I'm not sure because it wasn't overwhelming either way... which is a good thing) and mixed with these sweet yellow onions that had been sauteed then pickled in a sort of sweet & sour pickling liquid. The flavor of the onion really came through the tangy, acid & slight sweetness. The combination was truly everything I'd hoped and dreamed.... Maybe even better. Look how beautiful it is! You know you're at a good place when something so simple as kale, grits and a poached egg makes you dance in your seat. We were dancing through the entire brunch. How awesome would it be to have a restaurant across the street from the farmers' market? REALLY awesome, if you ask me. It looks like chef Paul Virant is really workin' that angle. Fresh peas and berries and biscuits! Oh my! The place looks great. It's modern but rustic. Clean lines but with pretty wood accents and a bunch of pickling jars filled with a variety of colorful fruits and veggies lining the shelves. It's like being in an uber-chic farmhouse. The plaid-wearing servers were extremely proficient. Kind when enticed into conversation but otherwise, all business. A good combo, I'd say. Overall, an excellent experience. I would definitely recommend Perennial Virant to anyone looking for an elegant yet comfortable brunch. The Short Version (Out of 10)... Food: 8.5 (I kinda wish there were more options) Service: 9 Ambiance: 9 Overall impression: 9 Would I go back? I will certainly be going back for dinner. The menu seems to be more extensive and composed.
(5)
Alex R.
I went to Perennial Virant 6 months ago for dinner and was not that impressed, but they have totally stepped up their game. WOW. I started with a Swift WInd whiskey cocktail which was fantastically creative and delicious. For appetizers we shared the local lettuces and the crispy rice - cant say enough about how wonderful they were. (Sizeable portions for appetizers). I had the cavatelli as my meal which was wonderful as well. We then split the apple pie dessert - PERFECTION. We ended the evening with a glass of wine on the J. Parker rooftop, which is stunning. I highly recommend the whole experience.
(5)
Karolyn S.
Service great. Very friendly. Food was good, nothing spectacular. We did, however, receive the lamb dish for free for some unknown reason (mess up in the kitchen orders maybe?) and also a mint cookie dessert for free as well. What we had: The fried cheese rice thing was good. A bit greasy. Gnocci was good as well. Could have used more gnocci in the dish. The lamb dish (I don't eat lamb, so no comment here) The cheese plate was good. The honey was delicious! Our highlight: The cobia with braised beef main dish was fantastic. Cobia was cooked perfectly. Blood orange sorbet was excellent. Everything else was okay. I'd go back for the cobia dish, a glass of wine (or 2) and the sorbet. I'd skip on everything else.
(3)
Nicole M.
We came here for Sunday brunch with friends and our 14-month old in tow. The atmosphere is welcoming and the service is friendly and attentive. I love the decor -- felt a bit like being in a French garden, with a modern twist. We had a sticky bun to start (yum!!). Then, I ordered the omlet with chevre, pesto, radish, and prosciutto. I wonder if the chef just popped next store to the Green City Market for the ingredients. It was a delicious with good fresh flavors and light, airy eggs. What more could you ask for? The other folks at the table ordered the skillet and the chicken fried steak. To be honest, I was so consumed with my own tasty meal, I didn't pause to inquire about their food, but it looked good and everyone polished off their plates. Finished the meal with strawberries, whipped cream, and rosemary shortbread -- all very yummy, especially the rosemary shortbread. This is a bit of a trek for us and a couple dollars more than we'd usually pay per-person for brunch, but it's worth it. I would certainly go back here. This is the kind of place that invites you in, gives you good food, and makes you want to stick around a little while longer. Although the staff were very accomodating of our baby, I think I'd enjoy the experience more if I went with girlfriends and sat on the patio to linger over a second cocktail. I'll certainly be back -- soon, I hope!
(4)
Callie J.
I used to live in Lincoln Park and would pass Perennial almost daily, looking, wondering and wanting to go. I had almost given up on the hope that I would make plans to go there when a friend of mine suggested we go, and I'm soooo happy he did. By then it was Perennial Virant and oh my god, it is amazing. The atmosphere is so cozy and warm. If I could design a restaurant, it would look very much like Perennial Virant. The menu and drinks were outstanding. Initially, I was a little worried the menu would be out of my league, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Perennial Vibrant somehow has achieved a nirvana between upscale and down-to-earth. The caliber of food is outstanding, yet the whole experience is inviting. My friend and I took our time, we ordered drinks and started with our first round of plates. The server was very attentive and not at all bothered by the fact that we were probably annoyingly indecisive about if we wanted to order more and what it should be, and then ended up ordering more. I highly recommend Perennial Virant. It was such a relaxing, enjoyable - basically perfect way to end my weekend.
(5)
Eric Y.
When i first founded out that Perennial was opened by the same group as Girl and the Goat. I was so excited....but I think that's where the problem was. My expectations were to high right off the bat. Not that Perennial was bad per se. It was just not as good as girl and the goat. That's the main reason for the 3 stars. Alright now on to the food. The way this place works is they have small, medium, and large dishes. You pick 2-3 dish per person and share. They also only use things that are in season. So in the winter they'll have a lot more pickled stuff. Which I wouldn't mind going back to see what's it's all about. EVERYONE MUST TRY THEIR FRIED CHEESE BAR!!! Don't remember what's it's called right now, but it's the first item on the left side of the menu. (yes it was that good I remembered where it is on the menu) Since their menu changes all the time I wont go into what I ate because chances are they might not be there. Overall, I think this place is good...but just not amazing. I wouldn't mind going back here to eat, but for the price....I rather go somewhere else.
(4)
Steven H.
Meh. Went there for dinner with an ex I haven't seen in a long time (no, that didn't have an effect of the rating) because it was close to her and the really nice open air environment ensured we wouldn't embarrass ourselves with shouting and four letter words. I only drank wine there but they do the whole artisan cocktail thing there too. If you are a fan of the violet hour you'd probably like it. I am not a fan of the violet hour. Any place that makes you wait 2 hours to get in to an empty place only to wait 30 minutes for a drink to be corrected by the bartender for mistakenly referring to them as a bartender instead of a mixologist isn't much fun. I feel for the guys who are forced to take their girlfriends/girl they want to impress there, which reminds me of this place. It is a really nice interior and the patio is great and right in the heart of lincoln park which is pretty likely where your girlfriend/girl you are trying to impress lives, but its definitely one of those places that women will appreciate more than men. It's one of those places the sex and the city girls would go to to complain about men and women they don't like over artisan cocktails made by a mixologist. The food was fantastically mediocre. None of it was bad by a any means, but everything was pretty forgettable. We had the grilled calamari, which was more garnish than calamari. My copper river salmon wasn't bad but everything they added to it (there are like 5 sides/garnishes) didn't really make sense to me. You can't just throw out a bunch of fancy cooking terms (I think mine was aioli and confit?) and expect the people to think it's going to be much more than sauce and mushy red pepper. But each section on its own was interesting, it just didn't gel together. Service was good, but it's to be expected in a place like this. Dinner for two was around $175 after tip (two apps, two entrees, 1 bottle) so I'll let you make your own decision about how pricey it is. I actually thought it was "reasonable" but then again I've been told before that I have lousy taste in expensive women. And maybe it would have been higher if it ended better, but probably doubtful. Meh.
(3)
Ceal P.
2.75 stars. I've been to the previous Perennial, which I really enjoyed several times. Their space is very nice in a great location. Have been wanting to try the new (and supposedly improved) space. The space is a lot bigger looking, they cut down some walls and made everything a lot homier which was fun. Overall the concept changed to being "farm-to-table" cuisine, so opportune because they are located across the street from the green city market. The idea is promising albeit pretty on trend with everything else in the city, but their execution fell short. Overall the food was over-salted, flavors probably had potential, but execution lacked. Perhaps using too many gimmicks but unable to pull them to fruition. I remember eating a lot of initially crunchy fried foods that quickly ended up mushy. Also, the air conditioner in my corner was so strong, I think it cooled down all the food really fast. What we liked: cheese plate: can't go wrong! paparadelle with bolognese: my fav main dish. pasta hand made, sauce very delicious solid choice for dinner So-so: canaroli rice: fried cheese curds is pretty ingenious, this was a decent dish not great: roasted fall squash: the server recommended we have this with dinner as a side. in the end we kinda ignored it, not much flavor. whitefish dish: the best part were the hushpuppies, but the rest of the dish was not memorable at all. components didn't make sense together. service was fine. overall, don't think i'd return to this establishment anytime soon. lackluster and personally like the prior concept better.
(3)
Tony W.
Not bad, but not worth the price or the hype.
(2)
Debbie V.
We had reservations on a sunday morning. We sat down immediately. Very Clean, Very welcoming and great service. We had the gingerbread appetizer, oatmeal, sticky bun and a omelete. Our server Joanna was outstanding !!!! A definite visit.
(5)
Kelly K.
Came here for cocktails and dinner on a wonder summer evening and was not disappointed. We ate and drank too much to recollect, but not a single dish disappointed, neither did the cocktails! The service was also top notch, but it was a bit noisy outside thanks to Clark St.
(4)
John G.
We had Brunch here. It was good! We made reservations, and somehow waited longer than a few walk-ins that we saw come in after we did, but that was not a big deal. We had a drink, and were able to talk to the bartender who was very friendly. Our food was great (French toast and a breakfast sandwich). I had heard that the portions were small, but that is NOT true. We were both full, and very happy!
(3)
Nicole M.
3 stars mostly due to the 45 minute wait despite having a reservation. The food was wonderful and loved the darker, sophisticated atmosphere. Came here with 3 friends for a late dinner during Restaurant Week, so we chose between 2 items each for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I don't think any of these items are on the regular menu, so no point in going in depth. All in all, very satisfied with the quality of the 3 course meal at the 33$ Restaurant Week prix fixe price.
(3)
Michael C.
First visit and LOVED it!!! Small plates: Rice cake was otherworldly and spinach salad which interesting with a hot kick to it. Might not be fore everyone... Medium plate: Gnocchi but only if you like gnocchi (my wife doesn't and this dish didn't change her mind...a texture thing). I enjoyed it. Large plates: Sturgeon was crazy good. Well balanced and seasoned. Knackwurst (homemade) was right out of eastern Europe. Loved it! Wine: Small wineries from all over the place (therefore didn't know many of them). Went with our servers recommendation (A pinot noir out of Michigan of all places...) and was solid. Service was perfect...not too fast, not too slow. Water glass was always full. Zero complaints! Great atmoshpere, correct lighting, comfortable setting. Will be back again and again!
(4)
Whitney O.
Went on a Thursday night with another couple. For four, the waitress suggested ordering 8 dishes. That seemed like a lot, but we did it. The waitress also suggested to put in the full order and they would bring out the dishes in an order that made the most sense. I usually don't enjoy giving up control of my meal, but this is worth it! Highlights: Crispy Rice (small dish), the Lamb Cassolet - ! and the gnocchi. Everything was delicious. The octopus was good, but not as outstanding as the rest. The restaurant also has a great atmosphere. Its dark, but not too loud. I enjoyed going with more than two people, because there are so many delicious dishes to sample. Service was good.
(5)
Mark G.
Four of us grazed through dinner on Monday night and enjoyed every single dish. Virant's cooking was a symphony of flavors and every dish was balanced in flavors and textures.
(5)
Jennie P.
mmmmm....sweet potato donuts...you are gooooodd! strawberry beet salad....you are even better than I thought! Perennial Virant has beautiful decor inside, it's pretty open spaced with farm-like tables and lighting, clean and fresh feeling. I just loved it. Now the food - we had the sweet potato donuts w/ caramel glaze and they were dddeeelish! I would highly recommend! We also shared strawberry beet salad and WOW, this was also amazing and MUCH better than expected - hiiighly recommend. I had the maple sausage/eggs served with potatoes and cheese curds...it was delicious and flavorful but a bit heavy. My husband had meatloaf and also thoroughly enjoyed. The only thing was the sausage was a little heavy for me, although it was fresh. I ate one sausage patty, one egg, some of the potatoes and cheese curds and I felt like I had been eating ALL day with no break. So, it's a pretty rich meal but well worth it. Pricing is pretty reasonable as well....
(4)
April W.
Based on breakfast I have no idea why this place gets such great reviews. I met a friend here on a Saturday for brunch and it was, at best, glorified hotel breakfast food. I had sausage patties with egg, nothing special and potatoes with curds. Can you say SALTY! The only good things about this place were the very friendly hostesses and the amazing bellinis. Everything else was just ehhhhhhh.
(2)
Mark T.
After walking/driving/biking by this place hundreds of times, I finally made it to Perennial Virant for brunch. Being that it also boasted a pretty expensive menu, I was expecting a very high-end meal. Our group of six was served a nice tasting menu for the meal. We started off with a plate of house granola mixed with yogurt. Next we had an omelet that had the following: eggs, chevre, prosciutto, radishes, onions, and pesto. The omelet was quite excellent. Next we had salmon cakes (which were nice, but a bit on the salty side). The skillet contained eggs, potatoes, swiss chard, peppers and smoked cheddar. That dish was un-believable. As for sides, we had spicky kale w/onions (I'm a big fan of this dish), creamy grits (pretty good for my first experience eating them), smoked ham (this tasted ok to me), toast and biscuits (the softness of the biscuits is what I really liked about them). For dessert, we had peaches and cream w/ a shortbread cookie (this was nice, soft and light). We also had a sticky bun w/pecans (very sweet and very good). For a cocktail, I ordered the "Big Brass Bed": two different cocktail wines topped with liqueur. Quite tasty. I came out of this experience very much impressed. Our group was blessed with having four servers (yep, we were that lucky) look after us and bring the dishes out. What helps is that the servers do make it a point when they bring out their dishes to tell us that the majority, if not all the ingredients come from a farm within a 100 mile radius from the restaurant. Good food, and locally grown....a nice combination. Would I go back? Likely, but only for special occasions for dinner. It's probably best to go for brunch. Either way, I'm confident that the meal would be delicious.
(4)
Amanda W.
The service was good, but the food was lackluster. My 3-egg omelet was surprisingly small and not at all filling. It was also dry and bland. My friend had the skillet and only ate a few bites before giving up on it. She did like the beet salad on the side and the strawberry mimosa. Brunch is one of my favorite meals and this one was hugely disappointing.
(2)
Meg C.
Nice outdoor dining area. Very attentive/kind service. Food was excellent.
(4)
A.M. K.
Absolutely awful food. Service is mediocre. Eggs look like they use egg beaters. Salmon is undercooked. Price is way too expensive. Don't advise anyone coming here.
(1)
Ben Z.
I tried PV for brunch and was not disappointed. Everything was done to perfection -- from the creative menu to the engaging service to the wonderful meals (I went for the chicken fried steak). The brunch menu allows you to customize your meal by choosing a meal and several sides. I'm looking forward to trying dinner. Highly recommended.
(5)
Irina M.
The made up for "losing" our table by giving a free appetizer: we got seated, but our waiter somehow didn't know we were his table. Other than that the service was excellent. The rise risotto was outstanding.
(4)
Trevor H.
My favorite Boka group restaurant - heck, my favorite overall restaurant in Chicago. Our server was knowledgeable and able to recommended wines based on the flavor notes we were looking for, despite the plaid shirt. We started with a medium plate of scallops and watermelons, and were amazed. The little melons were spiced with cherry bomb peppers, which sounds intimidating, but the heat was dispersed and it paired amazingly well with the seared, rare scallops. Definitely a taste combination I'd never had before, and one I want again. Next we got our large plates, Walleyed Pike for her and Young Chicken for me. Both incredible, savory dishes. The fact that everything is farm-to-plate is nice, but the kitchen could be a Syngenta laboratory for all I care and I'd still give them 5 stars. If it tasted the same, that is.
(5)
Paula T.
Since Perennial (the old version) was my favorite restaurant- emphasis on the "was"- I decided to see what the hype was about at the new PV. The old adage "if it ain't broken, don't fix it", goes a long way here...it was not broken and did not need fixing before. I'll give them that: an innovative twist on some ingredients (fried kale?) and a menu that is desired to be "edgy", yet ends up being confusing, might be entertaining, at best. Service was ok and so was the atmosphere, so the three stars go to that.
(3)
LR L.
One of the better meals I have had in the past several months. Consistency was the high point; apps, main courses, desserts were all top notch, which is not often the case. Celery root, pates, and squash appetizers were terrific; each was distinct, great meld of flavors and textures, and good sized to share between the four of us. Duck, papadrelle, and pork main courses equaled the apps and deserts were incredible. Only minor down side was the lag time between finishing our apps and receiving our main courses. Other than that, service was knowledegable, friendly and not too intrusive. And the price point for the quality is where it should be. Highly recommended.
(5)
Lois B.
We have been here several times, but the last time we were there for brunch, it was a totally delightful experience. The coffee and drinks are superb and the food is even better. Next time I'm getting the biscuits and gravy, but every dish was good and the service is excellent.
(5)
Alejandra P.
Very nice restaurant and friendly staff. Main courses are small to regular size, in case you are very hungry
(3)
Inter A.
Love this place. Been for dinner 3 times, and never disappoints. Food is always top notch, as are the cocktails. This will not be an inexpensive dinner, but I think it is worth the price.
(5)
Rachel O.
The 'la brisa' cocktail is one of the best creations I've tried. The $12 price was a bit steep, but I'd probably order it again! Everything on the menu looked great- the cheese plate was wonderful and unique. On a Saturday late night, seating time was a little odd being told it would be an hour wait, but found availability on open table within 15 minutes.
(4)
Alex R.
After several fabulous brunches in the past year, I finally made it to Perennial for dinner! This place, a straight-from-the-farm, seasonal-produce-obsessed ditty has the advantage of being steps away from the Green City Market. I have high expectations from BOKA group, and unfortunately, this time, they weren't really met. Service was good. My friend and I had two people waiting on us at all time, which was nice, but there were still some lapses where we found ourselves waiting. No big deal, really, but on a Monday, well...eh. Our server's food knowledge was good, but, at the same time, I didn't ever feel certain I was getting the most from the menu. Onto the food. Basically, I was a little confused. It was the second week in September. Aren't tomatoes still in their late season? I didn't see a single tomato on the menu. For what I consider late summer, this menu seemed rather early winter, with lots of pickle-y, vinegar-y flavors. Of the five dishes we ordered, 3 of them were SPICY. Heat seemed to be the main element. It was downright curious. Perennial will still be my favorite brunch spot with out of town guests. I'll be rather hesitant to return for dinner anytime soon.
(3)
Sandy R.
Went to PV for brunch and loved every bite from the yummy bloody Mary to the delicious housemade sausage and bacon. Don't pass up the home fries with cheese curds. It's an upscale brunch at affordable prices.
(4)
Lisa L.
4.5 stars and the best meal I ate on a recent visit to Chicago. The service is excellent and the understated elegant vibe was the perfect way to start a girls' night out. We shared the asparagus salad and soft shell crab salad to start and ordered the grilled rainbow trout and pan seared whitefish for entrees, the latter of which was mine. It is rare that I'll eat every single bite on my plate, but I was not going to let a single bit of the delicate white fish, buttered rice, white apsaragus with tasso ham and a little watercress topping go to waste. My friends felt the same way about their plates as well. Both apps were well balanced in flavor and textures.
(5)
EV G.
Loved this place! Kind of noisy sitting outside, but its summer in the city. Food was fantastic - for an appetizer we got pork, for entrees the short ribs for my husband and gnocchi for me. All was fantastic, but the gnocchi - outstanding! Literally melted in my mouth, could eat a big giant bowl of this. The only problem I had was the portions were rather small - so much so that we ordered yet another entree to split in lieu of dessert - chicken sausage dish which was also wonderful but very very spicy so beware if you have a sensitive palate.
(4)
Brooke P.
Cannot say enough good things about this place. We went in a group of 7 as part of the second city preferred seating deal. Basically, you got to one of 5 restaurants and you get to sit close at the show. The sample menu differed from what Pernnial had when we got there (based on their updating menu frequently to frequent in season items). We didn't see the fine print from second city that menus are subject to change. Perennial still honored the old menu and was very flexible with us. The perrogies with apricot app, goat entree, and fritters dessert were AMAZING!
(5)
Susan R.
This restaurant seems to not know what it is. It looked upscale online but was very casual in person. I went there this morning with a group of 8. The interior and prices led me to believe it was a nicer brunch spot in Lincoln Park. Our group dressed in dresses and were completely overdressed. Most people there were clad in shorts, T-shirts and flip flops!! It seemed to be the neighborhood brunch place to go if you live in Lincoln Park and under 40. Our group of 8 sat inside, as the patio was full. I ordered the PV Omelete ($ 12 ) which was very small and it came with two tiny pieces of toast. The toast was slightly burnt and the omelette was bland. Our party agreed their egg dishes( omelets, skillets) were bland, hence the "where's the salt and pepper?" Requests after a few bites. Everyone said their meal was just okay. One of our party ordered the French toast and he said it was wonderful. We were jealous!! My friend heard they had bacon jam and asked for a little side to try-they brought her a ramekin. Later, she noticed she was charged $3.00 for it on the bill. The server was attentive and we had valet parked which was needed in that busy neighborhood. It was 11 dollars for 4 hours or less. The food was marginal and portions small. I don't think I will return. Better options in the city.
(2)
Yasmine K.
Such fresh food! We came here based on a friend's recommendation during a recent trip to Chicago. This place was fairly close to the Second City venue. We had the rice with cheese curd dish, smoked fish with pasta, and sweet potato pie with marshmallows. Mmmm, I still dream about that sweet potato pie! However, they do change their menu regularly, according to the waitress. Nice that they served local craft beer :)
(5)
Amy M.
Perennial Virant completely exceeded my expectations. Just had a seriously delicious brunch with a girlfriend, and we were both completely wowed by the experience. This is farm fresh at it's best. If you are a fan of farm to table cooking and seasonal menu changes, you are going to love this place. We started with the housemade zucchini bread with plum compote and creme fraiche. Wow. Wow. Wow. I would have killed to have walked home with a loaf of bread and a jar of the plums... I moved on to the sirloin chicken fried steak (I'm from texas... I've NEVER seen a chicken fried steak here in Chicago... so right away, I was super excited) My friend had the omelette.... we were not disappointed... my steak was tender with a little bit of crunch, nestled atop some yummy grits.... my friends omelette was so damn fresh and tasty, it wouldn't surprise me if the eggs were laid that morning. We ended our meal with fresh berries, cream and a rosemary shortbread. I've never had a rosemary shortbread before.... it totally rocked. It was a tad bit savory, so when you combined it with the fresh berries and the cream, it balanced perfectly. Finally... John our server was fantastic!! I'm a server myself, so when I get great service, I like to call it out. Thanks for a great brunch Perennial Virant!!! I'll be back for dinner very soon.......
(5)
Peter S.
I made a reservation at Perennial Virant on Opentable and wrote into the comment box that we would be celebrating our anniversary there that night. It took me 3 seconds to mention that fact and the restaurant responded with a seemingly incredible amount of effort. We had no less than 5 people congratulate us on our anniversary, personalized deserts, personalized wine glasses, and decorations on our table. The effort was very much appreciated. The food itself did not disappoint in the least. There are Michelin star restaurants in Chicago who do less with a fall menu than Chef Virant. It's really easy to do "seasonal" food in Spring, but to make your guests feel like they are enjoying an incredible non-Thanksgiving themed fall menu in November is admirable. We ordered 8 courses and had 0 losers, which is awesome for a small plates concept restaurant. I would highly suggest Perennial Virant for random foodies and explorative couples alike. As an afterthought, their wine list is plenty sufficient but their beer list is top notch.
(5)
Paul T.
Had dinner here before the Grace Potter concert at Park West. The night was cold and the winter menu was in full effect. It was a great experience, despite the weather. Need to get back since the weather has improved and enjoy the scenery in addition to the excellent food.
(5)
Andy S.
I dined here on a recent Saturday evening in a group of 4; our server was knowledgeable about the menu, and made multiple checks with the kitchen to ensure that my friend with food allergies was properly accommodated and knew what was in every dish. Everyone ordered several plates (it is a small plate style restaurant); the carnoli rice and the gnocchi were standouts to me; the beef loin main course was excellent except for the fried toast, which seemed like it was kind of thrown on there as an afterthought, and was not especially good. I definitely plan on returning in the future.
(4)
Crystal L.
Never been to a restaurant where the bartender says they can't make you anything fr there cocktail menu at lunch until dinner. Being a restaurant professional myself that just was a little shocking. Also being told dessert is unavailable until dinner service. All in all left a bad taste in mouth. Don't think I'll be going there again.
(1)
L B.
We really had a great dinner here last night. Every dish was fantastic. I loved that they had a specialty mocktail on the menu, much appreciated since I'm currently pregnant and not drinking. It was inventive, flavorful, and NOT a sickeningly sweet concoction like you usually find in restaurants. My husband also thought his grown up cocktail was excellent. Then, we had the jar snacks appetizer, which last night was some sort of potato and vegetable spread topped with more pickled veggies. It came with fried sourdough bread, which was a great contrast. We also had a salami and apple salad that was lovely. For our entrees, I had the veal shank and my husband had the beef loin. I don't generally love veal but this was really luscious, and the polenta it sat on had incredible flavor. (It had a tasty gremolata on top but I wouldn't have really missed it, personally.) My husband said his beef was probably one of the best beef dishes he's ever had. Then for dessert we had their kind of deconstructed key lime pie, which was also amazing. The service was spot on. Our server was friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and all her recommendations were spot-on. Even the server assistant was fantastic and anticipated our needs in a way that really added value to the meal. Overall, I was very impressed with the space, the food, and the service. I can't wait to return when I have no drinking and dining restrictions! :)
(5)
Dina I.
I love the space and it's makeover since Chef Virant took over. The food was a-ok.
(3)
T L.
First time here since they reopened with new Chef Paul Virant in charge of the kitchen. Food was excellent and service outstanding. You have a choice of a prix fixe dinner for $37 or you can assemble your own menu with a nice selection of "small plates" to share. We went the shared plate route. We had the asparagus, field greens, the scallops, gnocchi, and chicken fried steak. We're not doing the food descriptions justice here because we didn't take notes. We were too busy enjoying the food, and we just opened our Yelp account this morning so we weren't contemplating writing a review either. Our writing is usually long on story, short on details. We could spend 5 minutes talking about the gal sitting behind us with overly highlighted hair, wearing a leopard spotted, off the shoulder dress. L thought she looked like Wilma Flintstone and T thought she was more the Betty Rubble type. Anyway, future review will be more detailed, we promise. Suffice it to say that Perennial Virant is a WINNER. Oh yeah, get the pound cake for dessert.
(5)
Kerry L.
My husband and I came here for a weeknight dinner while in town for business. Beautiful setting, pleasant and laid-back staff, but the 5 stars really goes to the food. We ordered the sea bass (very appropriate entree size, though not gigantic so keep this in mind and get the delicious starters), gnuti, and ham hock beignets, as well as the charcuterie plate. Everything was outstanding,
This place is as good as you'd expect it to be, but what I didn't expect was how reasonably priced the brunch was. If you're low on funds, try it on a Sunday morning. Their coffee is also really, incredibly good.
(5)
Jeff R.
From an outside perspective it would be hard to recognize anything new at Perennial unless you inspected the menu. The layout is pretty much the same with the great outdoor patio across from the park. And the building length signs still read "Perennial." But that's the point I suppose - a mulligan on the original Perennial with a new chef and new vision. I really liked looking over the menu. They do the very "in" multi-section by plate size separation (small, medium and large) with "an emphasis on sharing plates." There's plenty to choose from but the menu feels small and approachable with many familiar items. My focus was on both small and large plates with a curious indifference to the medium section. We tried five things and found they all came out with relative consistency. Nothing was earth shattering or amazing but there were some interesting flavors. My biggest takeaway was a feeling of goofiness. A strange adjective for a restaurant but each plate reminded me of a trouble making fourth grader - some good intentions inside but not sure there is any organized direction. Maybe it works for most people but even though most everything was "good", there is not anything I would call memorable or would rush back to have again. We had a nice meal outside under the heat lamp enjoying the lincoln park atmosphere (especially since moving across town), with attentive service and reasonable prices. The three "small" plates we ordered were the sweet corn salad, spring bean cassoulet (I think) and server recommend carnaroli rice. Erica and I both really liked the corn salad for its summery freshness and tastiness. The string bean dish sounded great on paper but couldn't quite figure out the flavor pairings. There was melted Gruyere cheese, string beans and fried onions. It was ok but a weird combination. The rice dish was like a grilled grilled cheese style risotto. That's the best description I can think of - cheesy rice in between two layers of fried rice. Very interesting and unique with pretty tasty flavors. The two large dishes we ordered were the ravioli and grilled fish (not the one on the menu but a substitute I don't remember). What surprised me the most was that I really wanted to try to the spare ribs but those were unavailable. [Side note: I don't quite understand how something on the menu for that night could be unavailable. Most places I know with adaptive menus print them the day of. I would be shocked if that morning they didn't realize there wasn't enough spare ribs to go around? Or how did it get to that point, it was a Tuesday night and at a reasonable hour of 8. Just surprising.] Other menu items that looked appealing included a pork loin, gnocchi, beef loin and salmon dish. The fish dish (whitefish or trout) was very well cooked and very lightly seasoned. It came with hush puppies, also tasty, but kind of random. I liked the ravioli more than Erica did but I do agree that the sauce (an onion, brown sugary concoction?) was strong and unusual. We had a nice meal for pretty good value. The flavors are interesting and mostly satisfying but seem to come from all over the place. I like the concept and the menu but I bet it would benefit from some more thought in preparation before it hits the table.
(3)
Angie C.
So glad this place reopened - still a fan! Had a delightful girls day brunch, complete with perfectly chilled rose champagne and wonderful brunch dishes. The beignets with caramel dipping sauce are sinfully perfect, sweet and salty bundles of joy - and worth every calorie! Definitely coming back soon to try our their dinner menu.
(4)
Jennifer L.
My husband and I were at Perennial Virant for New Year 's Eve dinner (delayed review, I'm sorry!). The menu was price fixe, but every course was amazing. I had the Parisian gnocchi, the chestnut soup, the beef short ribs and the lemon tiramisu. The gnocchi was a standout among the already excellent meal... I could easily have ordered only that and been delighted. The cocktails were also quite good - I had the seasonal punch, which at that time was a cherry tequila. Not a combination I expected, but somehow it tasted just like Christmas! The service was also very pleasant, happy to assist but not pushy in any way. We enjoyed the experience immensely, and will certainly return to sample the full menu.
(5)
Emily M.
I had been here several times for brunch back when it was Perennial. I had the most delicious breakfast dish I'd ever had in my life in the short rib hash and was frustrated when they took it off the menu because it was "out of season," only to see that it never reappeared after a full year.... (The local thing is great, but shouldn't it come back into season at some point?!?!) It's a different chef, so I shall never again have the short rib hash with poached egg and red wine jus, but I digress. When I arrived, I sat at the bar when I arrived since my date was late (tsk, tsk!) and the bartender made for pleasant conversation. Not only that, but he proceeded to tell me a bit about the menu, the chef, and the recent transition. He told me that this is the first restaurant at which he'd worked where he could stand behind every dish. After moving on to dinner, I was not disappointed! To begin, it was a lovely night for the patio, and had the Chicago wind not gotten in the way, it would have been an ideal al fresco dining experience. I'd definitely recommend sitting on the patio if you get the chance. To begin, my date suggested we get two small plates, two medium plates, two large plates, and the full smorgasbord of desserts. Needless to say, we did not finish the entire offering, but everything was excellent! My favorite dish of the evening was the small plate combining rice and cheese curds. It was essentially a cheesier version of a risotto with a crispy crust... Absolutely delicious. We also had the corn salad, which was delicious. For the medium plates, we had the scallops, which was my date's favorite dish and rivaled the rice for mine. We also had gnocchi with bacon and broccoli. It had that thick bacon that I absolutely adore, and the gnocchi's texture was sublime, but I could've done without the broccoli. In the thick, creamy sauce it got too soft and almost reminded me a bit of the bacon doused in cheese you got for school lunch as a kid. (Sorry, chef! Hate to say that, but the broccoli was really the only downside of the meal, and I could work around it.) For the large dishes, we had a pork dish that had some apples and onions, as far as I can remember. (By that point, there had been several glasses of wine.) The other large dish is escaping me at the moment, but it was yummy as well. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it with 4.5 stars. For fine dining, the place has to be pretty much perfect for me to give it a 5, but I can see this place making the list in future visits. Looking forward to checking it out for brunch! Although I don't know if I'll ever get over the heartache of saying goodbye to my beloved short rib hash...
(4)
Chris B.
It was very delicious, the service was great, and the ambiance is very upscale. I accidentally went during Chef's Week and was surprised that the only thing I could order was a pricey 3 course meal. I was on a date and not meaning to impress her that much. But that' really my fault for not checking ahead of time. All is forgiven and we had a wonderful time. Definitely will be back.
(4)
Glen W.
Exactly the sort of New American food that I find to be stuffy, overpriced and bland.
(3)
Craig R.
By far one of my favorite bars/restaurants in all of Chicago. Admittedly, we've never sat anywhere except at the bar itself, but we have eaten all sorts of items from all over the menu! The real draw for me is the bar staff. Wesley, Rachel and Izzy run the bar here and they are an amazing combination! Super fun to talk to, incredibly knowledgeable and full of all sorts of new drinks to try if you like trying out cocktails. Definitely visit Perennial, you won't be disappointed. PS - If you are looking for shots of Fireball, they don't have it so don't order it :).
(5)
Giovanni G.
To say that this restaurant is amazing in every way would be, by far, a complete understatement! Our waitress Maria guided me through the menu (like me she's a pescetarian), and even selected a drink for me to have which perfectly complemented my meal. Altogether it was one of those experiences where you didn't want any of the dishes to ever end. I can't wait to be back.
(5)
Lauren G.
My review is for brunch. I've been to Perennial twice on busy Saturdays because it's a great starting point for the Green City Farmer's Market. The food is fresh and the setting is comfortable. Service is somewhat annoying (too much!). I always like what I've ordered (farm fresh veggie omelettes, heavy cheese grits, homemade sausage, fried potatoes and cheese curds, donuts), but nothing really seems exceptional. Which, for $30 including a coffee and mimosa, is a good start to a Saturday. Hence the 3 stars, A-OK.
(3)
Kate J.
The food was amazing. I had the scallops and they were perfect. However, there was a hair in one of the dishes. Our server took the dish away without asking if my friend wanted another one. They brought another one after everyone had finished eating. She didn't want another one anyways. I was with a group of 6 others for a birthday dinner. Our service was bad, unfortunately. We were never asked if we wanted a second round of drinks. Our server was MIA a lot. She was very knowledgable about the menu when we had questions before we ordered but the overall experience was lackluster.
(3)
Nate M.
I had dinner here with some coworkers and had a wonderful time. This place is great for large groups so if you need some space this is it. Good service as well. Our server described the main course options so well I almost ordered the asparagus dish (I hate asparagus!) Instead I went with the scallops. They were pan seared, very juicy, and served with a potato mash. Very good and quite a lot of food as well. The water is served European style - cold but no ice. Something that has grown on me in recent years. Love it!
(5)
Kristian D.
My good Chicago friend and I had a late brunch here during the Air & Water Show. We arrived without reservations and did not have to wait long for a table in this modern, hipster farm-to-fork restaurant near Lincoln Park. The restaurant is situated on the corner of the hotel overlooking the street and park. Before brunch, I imbibed a wonderful seasonal mimosa with cranberry and other deliciousness that was refreshing after spending the morning sweating under the jets. Once our table was ready, I immediately spotted the fried chicken sandwich with home fries and cheese curds. Yes please. Unfortunately, the fried chicken sandwich was a little lackluster, but the awesomeness of the cheese curds coated in the local Chicago sriracha was more than enough to tip the scales. This place is on to something. I would definitely come back here and would encourage others to make this already popular place even much more so. Grab an artisanal cocktail, ask about the farmer's heritage seeds, bask under the Edison bulbs, and have a great time.
(4)
Whitnee R.
A pleasant dining experience in the windy city. Tasty dishes, an attentive staff, and located inside one of the cutest hotels in town, Perennial Virant is a vibrant brunch spot that is a good place to take friends, family, and Fido alike. The atmosphere is bright and airy on the inside, but if you're feeling like a little sunshine, they have outdoor seating and a cozy side patio. My guests and I (plus their pup) chose high-rise seating on the patio, and the staff was quick to give little Freddie a bowl of fresh water and house-made dog treats. Always a plus when all parties, two-legged or four, are well taken care of. As far as the menu goes, it was a little limited - especially from a vegetarian's point of view. I went with the mushrooms and grits, which was all in all a very tasty dish, but a bit one-noted in its earthy flavor. I did, however, sneak a few cheese curds and hash from my fiance's plate - thoroughly enjoyed. How can you go wrong with a side of cheese and potatoes? Trick question, yelpers. You can't. Lastly, the price point for dish is a little steep - I'd recommend trying only if you're looking to spend a little more than the average buck.
(3)
Casey F.
I dined here last weekend with my husband and parents, who were in town to celebrate my birthday. We decided on dinner at Perennial Virant since it had been on my radar for quite awhile but I had not yet been. We were seated a few minutes early for our 8pm reservation and elected to sit on the patio, which was lovely. Great atmosphere and the location provides superb people watching. We ordered 3 appetizers: a selection of 3 charcuterie, which they make in-house, the fried pickles, and the lamb cabbage rolls. 45 minutes after ordering, our first app showed up. The charcuterie was fine, nothing special, however noticeably small. We each got 1 bite of each meat. Since when is a charcuterie board served as an amuse? Cabbage rolls were up next and were quite good. Really nice flavor and probably the highlight of our meal. We anticipated the pickles would be arriving shortly, however all that came next was a significant wait. The wait for our entrees was nothing short of absurd. Fast forward upwards of 30 minutes and our food finally arrives, after we'd spent the entire time anxiously glancing at every passer-by, hoping they would deliver our meals. We found it odd that we received our entrees before our final appetizer, but we were starved and weren't going to complain - we just wanted to eat. At the table we ordered: Walleye Pork Porterhouse Diver Scallops Chicken Ballotine The pork was by far the best dish - biggest portion and cooked very well - juicy and tender. My walleye was good but non-memorable. (In fact as I write this 1 week later I'm not even sure that was the fish I got). The diver scallops were tiny. Normally when you order scallops, they are plump and substantial. The only time I've seen scallops this small is when they were frozen. My dad's chicken was small and he said absolutely flavorless. Dinner plates were cleared, and only then did we inquire about the pickles. By that point we did not want them, but just wanted to mention that they should not be on the bill. We let our server know we didn't get them, and her response was "Did you order them with me?". Yes. "Really?" Between the charcuterie and the cabbage rolls. She even repeated them as she supposedly wrote them down. We didn't care that much that we didn't get them, but her response was just in bad taste. Just own up to your mistake and apologize. They did take one of the apps off our bill as a result, which was nice. I was disappointed with my experience at PV. The food was non-memorable at best and bland and tiny at worst. Not worth the time we spent waiting for any of it to come out and we all left hungry. Service left a bad taste in our mouths. Also worth noting that the restroom is shared with the hotel and is in the lobby. The restroom was dirty and I had to wait in line behind six drunk girls who were waiting to gain admission to The J. Parker upstairs. Not exactly on par with the type of experience I imagine management wants you to have while dining. All of that said, I had a great time at dinner but that had everything to do with the company and very little to do with the restaurant.
(2)
Susie C.
We came here for dinner on a Sunday early evening at 5pm. It was very quiet - the 3 of us were probably one of the three tables there. This is pretty early for dinner though. Service was good. Our waiter was very nice. The restaurant interior is nice - I like the modern and decor inside. It's funny how our dinner lasted for 1.5 hours..our dinner time would have been longer if we ordered dessert but we were in a hurry so we had to get a cookie to go. We started with the potato gnocchi and their green salad. The salad was big portion - I love the chewy croutons. The gnocchi was really good. Love the sauce. Comes with sweet corn and bacon..yum!!! Love this dish.For entree I had the salmon. It was pretty good. I really enjoy the sauce in my dish as well. Perennial makes the best sauce for their entree. My husband ordered their grilled pork porterhouse which he really enjoyed. Lots of meat and it was delish. My friend had their chicken ballotine which he enjoyed as well. The sauce in these dishes make it really good. We concluded with cookie to go which was soft, warm, and yum! The only complaint I have with Perennial is the amount of flies by our table. It was annoying...there were about 4-6 flies flying around our table..The waiter said they made the mistake of opening the windows for brunch that bugs flew in through and stayed in.
(4)
Mei K.
Great place for brunch with the girls since they take reservations and offer outdoor seating. I can't even begin to describe how delicious the sticky bun was. If a pecan pie ever made sweet love to a cinnamon bun, their baby would be the sticky bun. Sweet, gooey, pecany, yummy. That should not even be legal.. Not going to lie, the biscuit and gravy looked pretty watery/translucent but it was still good. I just wished they didn't sprinkle salt on top because I'd get some bites that were way too salty.
(4)
Shane E.
3 things I liked about Perennial: 1. The outdoor patio is amazing. It really is an incredible spot given the views of Lincoln Park and the lake. It was a perfect day outside and honestly this is what made the experience worthwhile. 2. Pleasant staff. 3. Nice selection of craft brews and a pretty extensive wine list as well. 2 Things I didn't like: 1. Why does Six Flags charge $800 for a sandwich and $50 for a napkin? Because you're there and they can. Why do banks charge ATM fees? Because you're already there and they can. Why does Perennial charge $20 for a burger? Because you're there and they can. I'm a free market guy, and if they can get away with it, great for them. That said, no one at my table was wow-ed by anything they ordered. Maybe I'll have to give the food another chance... 2. Slow. Service.
(3)
David M.
Great light food. This place is low guilt and I have to say surprising. Fresh, farm to table. we had a the cheese and meat plates to start. Very good, expensive but isn't it everywhere. They cure their own meats and have a very interesting selection of options to include. For my entree I had perhaps one of the most flavorful and pork porterhouse's (is that a word) that I have ever had. I would come back just for that.
(4)
K M.
I just have to say, when I first arrived I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't see anything on the menu that popped, and I really wanted surf and turf for an anniversary dinner and didn't see anything close on the menu. Deciding to move on to a new location after a drink and snack, we picked "The Rhub" and "The Bear" as our cockatils and "The Beef Loin." First, we were really happy with our drinks which were not weak but didn't taste too strong (props to the bartender). Next, they didn't blink at the thought of us sharing a meal which is nice because we told them we were going to move on after the drink and meal. Finally, the food was awesome! Tender, thoughtfully cooked, and they even brought us a complementary anniversary dessert which was cute. Our server, Jill, was really on point too. Fun and friendly, casual enough to keep it all happy but really on point with her attentiveness. Thanks for the good experience!
(5)
Gwen D.
Brunch in bullets. + I'm all about farm-to-table feasts with seasonal ingredients and pickles 'n preserves. + Only an inspired chef can make a show-stopping omelette! Stuffed whipped chevre and pesto, topped with apples, pickled beets, and thinly-sliced smoked pork loin, and served with homefries and cheese curds on the side. + Make a reservation ahead of time on OpenTable! + I love the location on the sunny first floor of the vintage-inspired Hotel Lincoln, with mid-century furniture I wish I could use in my own apartment. (Pop into the funky florist A New Leaf across the street afterward!) - I was a little frustrated that my coffee cup went unfilled for most of the meal.
(4)
Kitt R.
I was very underwhelmed with the dishes. We started with a lamb cabbage roll dish. It was too salty but it was the best dish. I had the pork tenderloin. It was lacking in flavor. My friend had the steak. It was also lacking in flavor. The portion sizes are large and the atmosphere is nice.... But I don't recommend it.
(3)
Monique B.
A girlfriend and I met here for brunch one weekend and had the most enjoyable time. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. The food was delicious. For brunch you have to have the sticky bun to share. I also got the homemade sausage and ate my plate clean. Breakfast was leisurely and our waitress was attentive, but did not rush us on our way. Overall, a great place for brunch with friends.
(4)
Lloyd L.
I keep coming back to this place. It wins on all levels : food, ambiance, location, service. Casual and trendy at the same time, and great for everyone, whether you're dining alone, or with a friend, or with a big group.
(5)
Crystal R.
My girlfriend and I practically live here on the weekend for brunch. They are always changing their menu and introducing new dishes. If you haven't already, try the pull pork sandwich! SO good!!!
(5)
Carolyn T.
Three of us had a reservation here for Saturday brunch. My friends arrived before me and Perrenial Virant had no issues seating them immediately after arriving (I was 10 minutes late). My friends ordered mimosas and they were pleased. I decided to forego a drink because I couldn't justify the price of a $9 flute. I'm also not big on drinking in the morning (or in general). My friends were a little concerned initially after perusing the menu because they know I don't eat meat. Luckily, there was a delicious-sounding French toast on the menu that kept me satisfied. Even if there had been other vegetarian-friendly options, I probably would have gone with this dish anyway. That being said, I do enjoy feeling like I'm making a choice in what I order and I didn't really have that here. This is the main reason I deducted a star--entirely subjective and based on my personal preference. Of course, all reviews are! My french toast was amazing. It pretty much knocked my socks off. It reminded me a bit of the french toast offered at The Publican--but better. It had some kind of heavy cream on it and little twirly sugar-covered cookies (I know that's not the technical term for them) on the sides. They brought out butter and jam to the table, so I thought that perhaps they would give us complimentary brioche. I then realized these items were meant for my friends' dishes, both of which contained bread. There was absolutely no need to add any sort of butter or flavored syrup to my dish because it came perfect as is. I definitely want to come back for dinner and dessert in the future. If I'm pleased with the vegetarian option, then Perrenial Virant easily gets bumped to five stars. We had a fantastic experience and our waitress was really friendly, helpful, and efficient. Note: The bathrooms are difficult to find. You have to leave the restaurant toward the hotel to find them. I had to ask for directions twice.
(4)
Belle L.
BRUNCH...A taste above bland. Hit and Miss when it comes to flavor and price. Brunch Omelet ($13) -- borderline bland especially when you don't get some of the filler. A ok. Home Fried were crunchy and a bit hard. Addition of cheese curd didn't add anything to dish flavor. Skillet ($12) -- a better option. Flavor is much balanced and prominent. Just right portion. Coffee -- La Colombe bottomless for $3.50. Brioche -- two thumbs up to Chef for putting this on menu. A risky strong sour flavor with a hint of sweet. Unique. Service and Venue -- Informative. Friendly. Knowledgeable. Prompt. Clean. Comfy outdoor chairs. Nice outdoor seating to enjoy Lincoln Park.
(3)
Melissa C.
I've been here several times. Only bad service once. All other times, including today with David, service has been great. And as always the food is wonderful. We recommend this place to everybody!
(5)
Emann B.
Went for brunch and had the specialty doughnut (four stars), followed by the PV Omelette which was quite forgettable. The potatoes had likely been sitting on the flat top too long, and there was nothing in the omelette except chevre and pesto. Where was the pork loin and vegetables? And the bread on the side was toasted. But nothing on it. Had to ask for butter and jam. At a restaurant of this calibre, shouldn't that just be automatically placed on the table? The charmless server didn't help. What a disappointment.
(2)
Liz W.
Great experience with our attentive and professional server, Danny. Sat outside in their beautiful patio area that is both enclosed enough to not feel like you are in the middle of a sidewalk, but open enough to remind you of being in downtown Chicago. I was with a more high-maintenance friend who had a few very specific requests. Our server, Danny, handled it beautifully giving knowledgeable and accurate suggestions. For example, we were going to order the Asparagus Salad, but my friend wanted to know the width of the asparagus claiming that the thin ones tasted very different than the thicker. Although I thought this was a peculiar question, Danny knew exactly what my friend was talking about and instead recommended the Asparagus soup knowing what taste preferences he was seeking. It was incredibly fresh with a paired crème fraiche to balance out the flavors. Great suggestion! We also ordered the Lettuce Salad, the Goat's Milk Ricotta Gnudi, the Beef Tartar, and the Grilled Pork Porterhouse. Everything was wonderful, but my favorite was the Gnudi. It was cooked perfectly, with a light crunch on the outside and a light but gooey goodness inside! My friend's favorite was probably the Porterhouse, although he loved the Lettuce Salad which had an amazing pickled tomato vinaigrette. After having a couple delicious cocktails (especially the __ Bear, I don't remember the whole name), Danny knew I wanted to switch to something lighter and putting the decision in his hands, he brought me a crisp, light, but flavorful Rose that was the perfect complement to the meal. I highly recommend this restaurant, and urge you to request Danny when you go!
(5)
Marios D.
Had a large group dinner a few days ago. Nice setting and very trendy spot. We were seated quickly and had some water to start. Wine and cocktail service was a little slow but eventually picked up. We had one person serving us but there was a lot of help so it also eventually worked out but could have been more efficient. Food was very tasty and presentation was excellent. Portions more on the smaller side. Ingredients felt, looked and tasted very fresh. Wine list was narrow but we found both a nice and well priced white and red (both French). The first course was a pickled perch salad with some rye crisp, providing both taste and texture, not to mention colors, when the carrots etc are taken into account. Reminiscent of ceviche but the fish was very firm and the creme fraische added more complexity. Definitely a light and refreshing start. This was followed by a rice cake which was fried, with cheese and a spring onion vinaigrette. A more dense dish but tasty - the cheese was needed to provide some depth and also more of the salty taste, with the vinaigrette providing the balance of taste. The grilled beef loin was the entree and the bed of greens, warm potato and blue cheese worked very nicely to allow for the saltiness of the blue cheese to draw out the taste of the beef, while the greens were absolutely needed to balance the dish. Overall very tasty. We had some cheeses at the end, and the candied nuts and jams were a great accompaniment. There was a lack of some kind of cracker or crisp item to accompany the cheese. Local fresh cheeses though which were very tasty. Worth a visit. Be patient.
(4)
Nicole W.
Pretty disappointing for the price. The place was not crowded but service was slow. The waitress was good when she was there, but I felt like we waited a long time in general. I got the seared scallops and they were cooked well but the whole dish was WAY too salty. Like, my tongue was numb after I finished the meal. The cheese plate was fine, not amazing but good. The cheeses were tasty but I didn't think the variety was well planned -- all the cheeses were sort of similar and didn't really set each other off in any kind of complementary way. I know I sound ridiculous but, the cheese plate was $17. My friend got the trout and felt similarly - everything was just ok. Just didn't bowl me over. For $30+ a plate, I expect better. Wouldn't go back.
(2)
Jen K.
This review is for the bar. Good service and selection! They had some Pappy Van Winkle to choose from for a decent price (some places in the city offer it up for $200 for the 23 yr, while this place had it for only $80). The bartender wasn't pretentious or rude about us inquiring about it or other whiskey/scotch/bourbons, like many bartenders are. I also had a drink called the Mosely...VERY good. It had bourbon, scotch, tea, lemon, and egg white. It was sweet, not too tart, a little earthy, with a good bourbon flavor that wasn't overwhelming. I would definitely order this again. Sad that we didn't eat here...this place is hot on the radar of places to eat these days, so I'm sure it would've been delicious. If the drinks and service were any indication of what the food/foodservice would be like, I'd say go for it.
(4)
JW P.
The service here is superb and extremely friendly. The food tastes good as well, though it will depend on the season. My family and I walked in and were greeted immediately by the host, and guided to our table. It was a Friday morning but the restaurant was not busy at all, which I appreciated because a noisy busy space doesn't lend itself to quality time. The waiter was extremely helpful as we asked for his opinion on a few dishes. He gave us his recommendation and informed us that certain brunch menu items change up weekly based on seasonal ingredients. We ordered an egg skillet dish and the Hot Brown Skillet. I found the egg skillet to be too fragrant with way too much lemon, but this could be a seasonal ingredient (I'm guessing it was the sage). The Hot Brown Skillet was excellent and I would definitely order it again. Our waters, juices, and coffees were refilled promptly. Prices were very fair for the area too. There is no dress code here and I saw several people in ordinary jeans, so it is casual, but I wouldn't roll up in here after a morning jog (if you know what I mean). All in all, no major complaints. I would definitely come back again.
(4)
Alex A.
Very cute location in the heart of Lincoln Park. I've passed by several times, so my family of 5 decided to celebrate Father's Day brunch at this location. The seasonal bellini was very interesting with rhubarb bitters. I wanted to love the donut, but it was very dense and chewy. I was sawing this thing with gusto trying to cut it in half. I also ordered the egg skillet which was overcooked and really more of an egg scramble. The potatoes and cheese curds were excellent.
(3)
Kaley S.
Wow. Food: Awesome. Service: Impeccable. Drinks: Delicious. Ambiance: Classy but unpretentious. Concept: Beautiful. Menu: Seasonal with emphasis on local produce and preservation (pickled everything -- and charcuterie!) We were staying at the trendy, colorful, modern, eclectic, classy Lincoln hotel and went to dinner downstairs at the Perennial Virant. The chef is Paul Virant, and "perennial" refers to the seasonally changing menu. We sat at the bar at what turned out to be a slow weekday night, which turned out to be awesome for us. An in-training bartender named Drew originally started serving us, but when we started asking questions about liqueurs in the cocktails, as he tried to explain them, the more experienced Wesley jumped in and poured us little tastes -- a taste is worth a thousand words. From there, Wesley took over, answering our questions about their homemade pickles and charcuterie, and what farm they get their local produce from --- an indoor greenhouse in a huge warehouse in Chicago ran by at-risk youth. He was personable, knowledgeable, and damn can he shake a drink. He's an awesome bartender and he knew everything about the food as well! Best service ever, thanks Wesley, you made our night!!! The Good: Everything! Food! Service! Drinks! Ambiance! Seasonal menu! Homemade pickles! Local vegetables! They have beer, they have cocktails, they have beer cocktails! All their creative and unique drinks were tasty -- and we tried a few ;) ALL our food was delicious and amazing. Awesome professional yet personable service from our hilarious & knowledgeable bartender Wesley. We'd go back constantly if we lived in Chicago! I loved the ambiance -- the restaurant was clean and modern, classy but unpretentious. There were even couches (classy ones obviously) in one corner. One of those places you feel cool just sitting there. The Bad: the fact that we don't live in Chicago and can't go here all the time! The Food: Everything was incredible from salads to homemade chocolate chip cookies. Worst thing (and it's not that bad) was the homemade gnocchi dish, which was tasty but just super heavy for spring. When we ordered it, Wesley suggested another, lighter dish, so we got them both -- and he was very right! Perfect service -- instead of saying "oh that's not that good" or "get this instead" (or nothing at all) when he knew one dish was better than the one we ordered, he just offered a relevant opinion, and we ended up getting both dishes and really appreciating his input! The Service: Amazing, awesome, honest, hilarious, fun and professional service from our Chicago-native bartender Wesley. At one point he said "there's a red Power Ranger running down the street -- just so we all saw that" -- we turned around and there was in fact a guy in a red Power Ranger outfit (uniform?) running down the street. A special moment. The memories we made. Overall: Amazing, wonderful, unforgettable experience! So much fun, so many tasty drinks, so many delicious seasonal local fresh dishes! Pro tip: (applies to most restaurants but especially Perennial) Instead of sitting at a table, ordering entrees and leaving, sit at the bar -- you can usually order food there, and it's way more fun, relaxed and interactive. Get appetizers, share them, talk to the bartender, ask questions, taste stuff, enjoy yourself! And if you're at Perennial -- cross your fingers Wesley's working!
(5)
Allison M.
Have eaten several dinners & brunches over the last 3 years at PV, but last night was our final straw here. Service good sometimes - other times not so good. Food hit or miss every time. For the money, the portions are absurdly tiny. My butternut squash soup was heavily salted (not hot at all) & $15 for a flask def not even a cup worth. $20 medium cooked hamburger? McDonald's is better for a buck. The onion rings were good, will give the plate that much. The heirloom salads are so small and at $15 a pop, not worth it. Everything is over salted and not piping hot. My chicken with sausage was great but was pink & running juice inside! Server swore it was cooked....For the money we spent (no alcohol drank) it's not happening again. We say it every time but last night sealed the deal.
(2)
Chris W.
Perennial Virant (the other restaurant of Vie's Paul Virant) is a new American restaurant located across the street from Chicago's Lincoln Park at the base of the Hotel Lincoln. Virant's distinctives at Vie are replicated in this Lincoln Park area restaurant. It prides itself in being a farm-to-table type restaurant, meaning that you get the freshest ingredients every time . He and his team makes use of pickles, jams, or preserves appear in most dishes. This gives each dish a distinctive taste, all depending on what the pickling/preserving process was like. The meals have been described elsewhere as being "unfussy" and "straightforward" or even "simple." To some these latter descriptions would downgrade their opinion of the restaurant, but this shouldn't be the case. By keeping things simple Virant lets the flavors of each ingredient really pop. The service was great - though the host seemed a bit baffled when we walked through the hotel side of the entrance and also when we said we didn't have a reservation. They sat us pretty quickly, even though it was a Friday night. Our waiter was excellent, he was very knowledgeable and explained the menu and the dishes we chose in a detailed manner. My wife and I ordered: Pan Seared Arctic Char: grape aigre-doux, fermented carrots, beet puree, marinated golden beats, champagne vanilla vinnegrette. Grilled Pork Porterhouse: mashed carrot, apricot jam, turnips, cilantro, grilled pickled jalapenos, pork jus You can really pick out the flavors of each ingredient (except for the jalapenos, I couldn't taste those.) We also ordered several cocktails - one tequila based cocktail which tasted very much like apple pie. And another called a "surly bear" which was reminiscent of an old fashioned. Overall the experience was fantastic. The ambiance was casual but trendy. The service was friendly and the food was of top-notch quality. 9/10
(5)
Jialing L.
Visited a few weeks ago while searching for brunch, especially a place that takes reservations. The restaurant is in a nice location and the interior decor is very modern with tons of natural lighting. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and my friends both ordered the PV omelet. General consensus was that the food was good and the portion sizes were decent. I enjoyed it but I'm not sure if I would go out of my way to come again.
This review is for dinner on 3/28/15. We were a party of six. Each of us found the food way over salted, too over cooked, and generally mediocre. Given the price point (high, but quasi-understandable as it is a hotel restaurant,) there is no need to visit Perennial Virant when there are so many other options in the area. Few, if any vegetarian options (forget it if you're vegan.) Service was acceptable, if not slow. Wine choices rather limited. Unimpressed and won't return. Let this be a lesson: have pause if a restaurant has wide availability on OpenTable on Friday for a Saturday reservation.
(2)
Jane W.
Compared to the general restaurant population, this place warrants a solid 4 stars. Compared to other restaurants of this caliber, I'd say it deserves a 3. I got to try a wide variety of their foods (3 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 side, and 2 mini desserts). - Cheese platter with blueberry preserve, candied walnuts, fruit and nut crostini, and chef's honey ($17): we got a selection of three cow's cheeses and they were all decent. None of them blew me away, but at least there wasn't one that was repulsive (yes, that's happened to me before during a $160 prie fix menu course). My favorite was the blueberry preserve, which had whole pieces of juicy, sweet blueberries. So good! The candied walnuts were also another favorite. - Goat Cheese Gnocchi with marinara, cotechino sausage, pickled spring garlic ($14): good, but not amazing. The gnocchi were little pillows of cheesy goodness, but the overall flavors of this dish were rather uninspired. - Flash fried baby artichokes: These were definitely good, but the exterior leaves of the artichokes were SO hard. It literally felt like I was chewing on woodchips (had to spit out a few of them). So that was a bit distracting. - Pan-Seared sea scallops with smoked beet puree, candied blood orange,champagne and vanilla vinaigrette, roasted escarole ($32): I adore scallops and rush to get them every time I see them on the menu. The $32 price tag made me hesitate this time, but figured might as well, and waited with high expectations. Maybe the flavors would blow my mind. Or maybe the scallops would be the size of my palm. Nope! I got three, medium sized scallops (basically each one was costing me $10), and they were good but DEFINITELY overpriced. - Grilled bone-in pork chop with fermented black bean puree, pickled tomatillo salsa verde, chow chow ($28): I tried a couple bites, and they were good. Solid flavors and the meat was tender. Definitely a more fairly sized portion than the scallops (still bitter about that). - As a side, we ordered the mashed potatoes with bone marrow butter: probably one of my favorite dishes of the night. So flavorful and rich, I would definitely have ordered my own if we didn't order so much food + I didn't want to clog my arteries - We ended the meal with a cookies and cream ice cream sandwich and 2 chocolate chip cookies: both good, but not anything particularly special. Service was definitely solid. Our waitress was quite knowledgable about the menu and checked in frequently without being intrusive. The interior is also wonderful - it doesn't give off too much of a snobby vibe that a lot of higher-end restaurants do. Rather, it was relaxed and almost felt like I was in a summer home on a breezy island (something about the color scheme and the curtains). Basically, food here is good. Not enough to justify spending this much money, but still solid. Hence, 3 stars overall.
(3)
Kent B.
I am staying at the hotel in which this restaurant is located. So I decided to have dinner there , the first night. Sat at the bar. Bartender was Friendly. I can tell this is the place that attracts more of the hip crowd. The menu was an mix of meats and fish. I tried the cheese plate appetizer which was good and for the main course I tried the whitefish. The whitefish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. I can recommend this restaurant if you are staying at the Lincoln.
(5)
Kelly W.
I came here last night for a drink with a girlfriend while we were waiting to get into the J Parker. I noticed that there were floating black bits (of what? God only knows) in my martini, so I returned to the bar and politely explained the problem. The bartender was very short with me, and asked if the black bits were from the lemon twist (???); she then snatched the drink from me, did not apologize for the fact that it was seemingly unclean, and remade the martini in a very rushed and careless manner--barely stirring it, which resulted in a lukewarm glass of gin. I truly haven't encountered service this disdainful and ungracious anywhere else in the city. I would have definitely come back to try to the food, after reading everyone else's reviews--but after my experience last night, I will not be back.
(1)
Francesca R.
A Lincoln Park Place Treasure! Truly farm-to-table with hyper local fresh ingredients, and super knowledgeable staff about the sourcing and preparation of the menu, in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. The Slagel Farm beef tartare was mind-blowingly good - a dusting of hardboiled yolk and micro greens, with a celery aioli and shoestring potatoes. The Charcuterie board was fabulous and the pickled root vegetables are very special. I look forward to going back - it could easily be a regular spot for me. XOXO!
Perfectly fresh breakfast caught us by surprise. Fantastic Bloody Mary and impeccable service. Great location near the Zoo. No trouble ordering special requests for vegetarian and gluten-free eaters. Highly recommend.
(5)
Sara H.
We had an EPIC dinner here last night to celebrate our friends' engagement. The service (thanks Kate!!) was amazing from hostess to waitress to busser. The food was fresh and imaginative with a lot of uses of pickled vegetables that were delectable and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Our meal started with the Grilled "LITTLE BLOOM on the Prairie", a whole wheel of camembert-style cheese, topped with blueberries served with decadent zucchini bread. The hints of lavender and maple syrup were amazing. Then our waitress sent out a Crispy Carnaroli RICE CAKE gratis becuase we had some confusion about the menu (our friend had thought there were gluten free bread/pasta options and there are not, BUT there are lots of GF options). This too was amazing. For mains we had: ~ Pan-Roasted CHICKEN BALLOTIN - a chicken leg/thigh deboned and stuffed (french style) with chicken sausage. YUM ~ Grilled Slagel Farm BEEF LOIN - better than any steak house, hands down ~ Suckling Pig SAUSAGE - everyone raved about the creamy grits it came with ~GREEN BEAN Salad + SUMMER SQUASH Salad - both great; Kate recommended the summer squash which had amazing flavors that I will not ruin by trying to describe to you here ;) What we loved most was our waitress, Kate's, deep knowledge of the food and drinks. She could tell us where all the food came from, a story about the winery for the wine we got, and even how The Mosley cocktail got it's name (hint: town in England, not character on How I Met Your Mother). With the price tag of our meal I would put this in the "special occasion" bucket. With that said, every day is special so make your reservations soon!!
(5)
Michael P.
Went last night, the 4 stars come with an asterisk. Our server was a bit on the glum side, but I am guessing she was just having an off night. If it wasn't, she is not long for that job. Everyone else who helped her were very nice and attentive. Main thing, you really have to like the food to feel like you're getting any value. Everything we had was very tasty and obviously made from high-quality ingredients. I was not expecting to get full off of one dish, but I also hoped my stomach would at least be satisfied, and it wasn't. This is a good place to start somewhere else first and get a snack. Or maybe I'm a pig. Whatever. I'll start somewhere else, you start here. Anyway, the food was good. Cheese curds and beef tartare were excellent, as were the salmon and the carbawhatever rice thing. Good wine selection, very limited beer selection. I should feel better about this place considering the quality of the food, but I'm not.
(4)
Angela B.
I hesitated before putting that 4th star. I really like this place. I've been for brunch twice and both times I had the homemade sausage meal. The first time was phenomenal but the second time, the sausage seemed a tad too salty. with the cheese curds, being salty, this nearly ruined the meal. My boyfriend got the skillet with salmon and it was COVERED in pickles...he did not enjoy it much. and neither did I. We also tried a sour cherry turnover the first time; that was great. The teas are strong and delicious. I am very optimistic about my next meal here.
(4)
Patrick W.
After two exceptional dining experiences at Perennial Virant, I would call it my favorite restaurant in Chicago. A year ago, my wife and I celebrated our first anniversary here. I dropped off flowers and a card ahead of time with the hostess, who was happy to arrange for them to be placed at our table. When we arrived, the restaurant staff had a corner table specially set with the flowers and card and were attentive throughout the meal, including congratulating us on the occasion. The meal and wine were terrific, and the chef sent out a complimentary dessert. Today, my wife and I and another couple had brunch together, and a bit after we arrived, two other couples sat down at the table behind us. Coincidentally, the couples behind us ordered the same four meals that we ordered, and the servers mistakenly delivered our meals to that table first, which left us waiting a while for food. Realizing the mistake, the managers and server came over to our table to apologize and provided not only a complimentary entree but also said they would cover our appetizers. It was really above and beyond for what was an understandable mistake. During both visits here, the incredible service has been matched by outstanding meals. The food is wholesome, fresh and creative, and the menu items strike the right balance between light and satisfying. Highly recommend for both brunch and dinner and glad to have PV in our neighborhood.
(5)
Meredith K.
We came back here for brunch. This time I was with four people. It was packed and I was glad that we had a reservation however we still had to wait a long time for our table. I'm glad none of us had to be somewhere. Once seated we were offered drinks and info about the menu that I found limited. Its not a build-your-own-omelette kind of place. I passed on the punch of the day because I drove there, but my friends had some and it was dangerously delicious. My friend ordered a cinnamon roll for the table. I had to pass because one bite of cinnamon roll and before I know it, I've had 10 bites of cinnamon roll. It looked sticky and amazing. There weren't a lot of items on the menu that are savory without pork or beef. I decided to try the biscuits and chicken gravy (not 100% pork free but close enough) The biscuits were hard and dense. They were either over cooked, over kneaded, or both. The gravy had chicken sausage in it but was not rich. I wouldn't order it again b/c of the biscuits. My friend next to me got the turkey pot pie. It came with a big cracker over the top instead of a baked on pie crust top. I prefer when its baked on and steaming hot lava inside. I feel like I should give this place another chance for dinner but brunch is just not for me. The service and location are fine minus not being seated when you have a reservation.
(3)
Alex J.
Swung by here after seeing the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights and warmed up to some exquisite cuisine and awesome service in a brilliant atmosphere. My date's chicken was cooked so perfectly that you'd think it wasn't chicken, but rather some new, succulent reinvention. My prosciutto-wrapped rainbow trout - de-boned but powerfully plated with the head - over a beet salad that was out of this world left me feeling content with the world. We started with the beef tartar as an appetizer, and it simply melted in our mouths. Literally no complaints; I'll be enjoying brunch here soon enough, as I understand they also knock the other hours of the day out of the park.
(5)
Christy L.
I've eaten at Perennial Virant several times now, for both brunch and dinner, and it's just so-so. I prefer the brunch, which is a solid four stars, but dinner is just mediocre, maybe even two stars. For dinner, I started with the Salmon Tartare, which was the highlight of the evening. My friends both had the Fried Artichokes, which they said were missing a key ingredient, perhaps salt. For entree, I had the Lamb Merguez, which was meh. And, for dessert, I had the chocolate chip cookies which were over-powerfully heavy on salt, to the point that I tasted no sweet. My Moscow Mules were a bit too tart. Everything just seemed "off." Otherwise, I enjoyed the ambiance and service was helpful. I just wouldn't return because for the price, you can find much, much better in Chicago. Brunch, on the other hand, is very good.
(3)
Haley S.
One of my favorite brunch places! The potatoes with cheese curds are worth the trip alone!
(4)
Daniel C.
I've been here for brunch only Two occasions. Freaking Delicious. I had a wonderful experience most recently with friends. We briefly considered getting every single side item along with our entrees. We ended up getting quite a lot. I had a bacon brioche sandwich and I was really happy with it. I got to try the corned beef hash, the potatoes with cheese curds and the sausage. This place had fallen off my radar but now it's RIGHT BACK on glowing brightly. I cannot wait to try this place again.
(5)
Shan D.
While it's a beautiful spot for a Sunday brunch, the food is just below average. The execution is just inconsistent. Seasoning seems to be their main issue. I had the biscuits and gravy which were overly salty. I asked for some hot sauce just so I could finish my plate. The homefries were bland, and the cheese curds just weren't good at all. I also tried the omelette, which lacked salt. Coffee was just ok. Not sure where it's from. Our server was a little quirky, but nice nonetheless. Everything here is forgettable. I won't be back, even for dinner.
(2)
Benjamin R.
We've been to his other restaurant Vie and loved it, and he did not disappoint here either. This is more casual than Vie, but the food was still excellent. It's a great spot right at the corner of Lincoln Park, so we walked around the zoo and park before dinner. Cocktail to me was nothing special, and only 3 draft beers on tap, but one of them was really good so no complaints there. All the food we got was great. Lettuce salad, rice cake were both surprisingly delicious. Whitefish and beef tenderloin entrees were really good too. The only weird thing to me was the pickled summer beans (green beans) in the salad. A little too strong for my taste, but I'm not really a pickled fan. But it was all-around excellent and I would go back many times. It has an outdoor patio too for nicer days.
(5)
Howard B.
We found this restaurant lacking in a number of respects. The service was unfriendly and inattentive, with the exception of the person who refilled the water. Bread was not served at the table. When we asked for it twice, it still was not served. The appetizers were just ok, except for the cheese curds which were very tasty. The 3 of the 6 main dishes were entirely too salty. The presentation was sloppy. The meat that we ordered was on the plate with a thick dollop of salty sauce on top. The portions of the deserts were very thin. A slice of torte was 1/2 inch in width at the largest portion! For a restaurant that is not inexpensive, I found the entire experience lacking.
(2)
Alison S.
Enjoyed a relaxed dinner here on a weeknight. It was not crowded and we received very attentive service. In addition to some great wine, we split the cheese plate, local lettuces, crispy rice cake with cheese curds, and goat cheese gnocchi. While I'd recommend everything we ate, the cheese plate was a standout. Many places have one starring cheese and a few fillers. But here, each cheese could stand on its own, and the accompaniments were varied and paired perfectly with one of the cheeses (so much better than the lackluster cheese plate I had at Eataly a few days later). We originally wanted to go to the rooftop, but the line for the elevator was out the door and it had just started to rain, so we settled on sitting inside. I do think that this type of fresh cuisine is better enjoyed outside--next time we'll come on a warm night so we can sit on the patio.
(4)
Bryan W.
I would have given this 4 stars if not for the price. The quality of the food was good to right below excellent. A minimal approach to the salmon was appreciated but lacking. Just shy of being overcooked, it was delicious anyway! This is a casually cool place without a lot of pretension and the menu does reflect this attitude. Just a tad pricey is my only knock. The bar has a well thought out selection of the finest liquors you can find;-)
(3)
Kristi C.
Went here for dinner and drinks. Sat at the bar and Kiel and Sean took great care of us. Paul V. created some of the most amazing vegan dishes I've had in the six years that I've been vegan. Every bite was well balanced and thought out---I was seriously impressed. Ambiance is zen/contemporary. Very innovative cocktails. I can't wait to come back!
(5)
Lucy N.
First off the service is top notch. Our waiter Danny was attentive and very personable. He definitely made our group's experience here more enjoyable. We started with the cheese plate and some vino. All delish. We then ordered the scallops, beef tenderloin and the gnocchi. All of the dishes were fantastic, however the scallops were done to perfection! Near the end of our meal Danny was kind enough to put our name down on the list for J Parker so that when we had finished we just waltzed right on up! Thank you for making our night with you a memorable one!
(5)
Ryan K.
I was looking for a brunch spot near the zoo on a Sunday and Perennial Virant popped up! 3 dollar signs, what am I liquid?! Well the brunch menu is pretty reasonably priced and I was able to make reservations via open table for a party of 6 for 12:15, so let's do this. We arrived on time and were told there would be a small wait. I told the hostess that our party had changed to 5 and that was no problem for them. We were still waiting for the other 3 people to show up which they did 5 minutes later. I really thought the place was tastefully decorated and clean. There was a lot of space and I really appreciated not feeling claustrophobic. The chairs are also legit! They're big and comfortable clothe dining chairs and there were some tables that had couches as part of their seating arrangement. I didn't use the restroom, but people in our party that did all said it was really nice and clean (always a good sign). The wait was probably 15 minutes max, but the hostess was kind enough to give us half mimosas to sip on while we waited! This was the start to the fantastic service we had! We were seated at a round table with the nice dining chairs. Our waiter was fantastic - very attentive and a true professional. He answered all of our questions thoughtfully and helped us make decisions. The sticky bun was awesome. The homemade doughnut was okay, but a little hard so I wouldn't order that again. I had the skillet with butternut squash and pesto. It was really good, but the wife's 3-egg omelet with prosciutto and pesto was even better. I would order either one again though. The bartenders seemed very knowledgable when I was eavesdropping on a conversation with another customer so I'll definitely try some cocktails next time. The wife had a Bloody Mary that she thoroughly enjoyed since it wasn't very spicy. I also wanted to mention that someone from our party dropped a napkin on the floor and our waiter swooped in after literally 2 seconds with a new one. Whaaaat?! Yeah the staff here are amazingly well trained and the whole experience was top notch. We'd love to come back to try dinner.
(5)
Saba A.
I came here for Brunch with my husband on a Saturday morning and we left very satisfied. This is a family friendly restaurant, but different types of crowds were there and it made a homey type of ambiance. I started with a delicious and light peach mimosa, and then we ordered the house made sausage. The best eggs I have ever tasted in my life. So soft, so much flavor, and it wasn't heavy. We could have ordered a lot more of those. Our waitress was nice, recommending items on the menu and suggestions. She took some time to show us the breakfast menu after we expressed how much we liked the eggs. The doughnut was in one big size, and we enjoyed that as a starting. We were satisfied after eating and didn't use all the money on our gift card so we can come back again. Located in the Lincoln Hotel, it was a fun visit to Lincoln Park. The Farmer's Market is across the street and the J Bar is a great rooftop bar in the Hotel so we went up for drinks there afterwards. It was a great visit!
(5)
Jeff N.
My laziness is the cause of me forgetting exactly what I ate at this wonderful place. We had heard great things, but now we know how great it is. This is one of those places where you take a bite of the food and then give your dinner partner that glance that says, "I have a piece of heaven in my mouth and I'm now going to close my eyes for a moment while I savor the taste".
(5)
Joseph D.
Stopped in for brunch after staying at the Hotel Lincoln this past weekend and all I can say is YUM! Wife had the 3 egg omelet and I had the sausage gravy, eggs and biscuits. Both were outstanding and slightly different takes on what a traditional brunch item such as these might be. For example the omelet had goat cheese, prosciutto and pesto. And the home fries had cheese curds. The sausage gravy was just as interesting as it featured chicken sausage which gave the gravy some lift instead of being all fatty and congealed. We also started with a homemade lemon doughnut which was quite dense and also delicious, covered nicely in a lemon glaze and topped with meringue. We did not drink but did have coffee and our total bill was $42. A bargain for such high quality fare and excellent service. Even if you're not a guest at the hotel, I highly recommend you try this place. We will return for dinner!
(5)
Kirsten H.
We hosted a baby shower for 21 people here on a Sunday afternoon. Maggie was incredibly responsive and helpful when making the reservation and coordinating the party. Everything was seamless during the planning process. We reserved "The Lounge" space off of the bar with huge windows and a beautiful view of Lincoln Park. For a party of that size, a family style brunch is served - which was delicious and more than enough food. We had requested no pork or beef products and they were extremely accommodating and provided an alternative. We also ordered special cupcakes through Perennial and, again, they were extremely accommodating with our special request. All of the guests raved about the space and the menu (and mimosas!) - I definitely recommend Perennial for anyone looking to host a "turnkey," yet, special and memorable event.
(5)
Kristina W.
I loved my experience at Perennial Virant from beginning to end. My sister had recommended this place to me for a while, so I finally made reservations one Friday night for myself & 3 friends. I didn't read reviews until the afternoon of, upon which I realized that PV is actually known for its brunch... oops. I was disappointed, but my dinner experience turned out to be AMAZING and went above & beyond my expectations! Starting with the service, we arrived 10-15 minutes late without calling in, and they were accommodating and able to seat us right when we got there. Also, my friend had a lot of allergy restrictions and our waiter was able to speak with the chef and suggest substitutions for different ingredients in various dishes. He never made us feel like we were inconveniencing him in any way even though he had to make multiple trips to and from the kitchen before we ordered. 5 Star Service. The food...Amazing. We ordered the Housemade Charcuterie ( yelp.com/biz_photos/pere… ), Crispy Carnaroli Rice Cake ( yelp.com/biz_photos/pere… ), Walleye Pike, Torte, Beef Tenderloin, and the chef even customized a vegetarian course for my friend. Everything was absolutely delicious and well-portioned, but my favorite was definitely the Crispy Carnaroli Rice Cake. OVERALL: I highly recommend this restaurant for the romantic candle-lit ambiance, extremely comfortable seating (yes, this matters to me), top-notch service, and delicious, perfectly-portioned, and reasonably-priced food. If I loved the dinner this much, and the brunch is supposed to be even better... I will definitely be back to try the brunch!
The space is beautiful, with a large outdoor terrace, and sleek indoor seating. The service was great, and accommodating, which are the only things I can rave about. The food was ok, but nothing worthy of praising. Hillside Orchard gnocchi was average; pan-roasted Loch Etive Steelhead was alright, as well. The recommended Duval-Leroy Champagne was awful.
(3)
Amelia W.
Everything was perfect. My husband and I went for dinner since we were staying at the Lincoln hotel. I got the Pan Seared Artic Char and of course ended the night with their chocolate cake. My husband got the Grilled Pork Porterhouse which consist of mashed carrot, apricot jam, turnips, cilantro, grilled pickle jalapeños, and pork jus. Each of these dishes I would recommend. The service was great and the restaurant location is fun because it is walking distance to the Lincoln Park. It is a location you can stay near the whole day with the Lincoln Park free zoo near by.
(5)
Amanda B.
Wonderful atmosphere, awesome staff and amazing food. The chef really takes pride in their menu and patrons. Danny was a great server! We will be coming back and telling our friends. After dinner, head to jparker and enjoy the views.
(5)
Kristi B.
We decided to give this place another try! It's in our neighborhood and across the street from the Green City Market where we go faithfully twice a week and the setting is so nice we really felt it deserved a third chance. We were very pleased. Again the sticky bun is amazing (we did decide to order a side of bacon and crumbled it onto the bun---we suggested it come with this addition as it was an excellent improvement) and we also had the smoked salmon salad and it was delicious. The beliinis hit the spot on a perfect Saturday morning. The service was excellent, the setting perfect, and the food quite good. We will be back.
(4)
Mimi T.
Love this place!!! We come here often for brunch and the food is amazing. My favorite things on the item is the French toast. The flavor a are amazing, great portion and they change the flavored based on the available fruits from local farmers!
(5)
Jed B.
Stopped by for dessert and was pleasantly surprised by the quality if not my the quantity. Our dessert was the size of a silver dollar which for one might be adequate. I'm used to sharing dessert and this didn't go very far. But what we had was wonderful.
(4)
Shawna B.
I love living in Old Town and am so glad there are restaurants like Perennial that serve local produce and sustainable proteins. Atmosphere is lovely and the food is spot on...maybe a touch rich for my liking but tasty. Brunch there has been a summer favorite of mine. Their breakfast offerings are familiar yet unique. I had an awesome asian inspired breakfast with kimchi and sprouts...ok...not standard but still amazing. Love the egg dishes and the caramel sticky buns are always a great "appetizer." Also, because you know I love great service, this place has their act together. The staff is kind, informed and attentive. Even when we had some friends with kids meet us for breakfast, the staff couldn't have been better. They, without even asking, put the fruit compote on the side of the pancakes. Just in case our young diners might be finicky. Brilliant! **Just to be clear, I don't think of this as a particularly kid friendly place...it is trendy and upscale...we just happened to be doing an early brunch on the patio so a couple of well-behaved kids seemed like an ok call this time.
(5)
Fernando B.
Went for Saturday brunch, the place not very busy and we were greeted and seated immediately. The tables seemed a bit too close to each other, but since there wasn't a lot of people it was OK. I had the chilaquiles and it was very good, fresh and full of flavor, my only complaint would be that some of the dish garnishes were in the way of the really good stuff. Very nice. I will definitely go back.
(4)
Mark D.
My very first review ever! I am an executive chef with over 30 years experience. And I have to tell you the meal I had last night was up there in my top 10 best dining experience. This is a true Chicago original, a must for all good food lovers. The service was unpretentious, friendly and professional! Made you feel welcome and comfortable, with excellent knowledge of the menu and recommendations. Have heard the brunch is amazing and it's definitely going to be my next stop at perennial Virant. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the back of the house and upon walking into the storage room I was blown away at how they preserved all these wonderful flavors of the summer to use through the winter months! And all their homemade charcuterie aging in a special temperature & humidity controlled refrigerator, a personal passion of mine. Thank you Monica For hooking us up!
(5)
A M.
Amazing, delicious food and ridiculous top notch service. Our waiter Dave "Grohl" was the most knowledgable server I have ever encountered. We took all of his recommendations and they were spot on - charcuterie plate, scallops, whitefish and the wine. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)
Angelo V.
Nice staff, great potatoes and cheese curds; also ordered biscuits and gravy-- this definitely has that very good homemade taste; great mixture of sausage and sauce. Would come again. Although both dishes too much food for one person.
(5)
Troy M.
They should spend less time on presentation and focus more on the quality of the food. The chicken fried steak at brunch had no flavor and was so tough to eat, I left it on the plate. I wanted the BLT I had on a previous visit, which is no longer on the menu. The restaurant is beautiful the service is less than mediocre. This will be our last visit.
(1)
Michelle H.
My friends suggested this place for my visit to Chicago and I loved it! Great ambiance! Very cute setting and the staff is very friendly. I got the biscuits and gravy and it was soooo good and filling! I tasted my friend's dish (Corned Beef Hash) and didn't like it very much. The meat tasted like it was under-cooked. It didn't taste as good as it looked. I also tried the Bloody Maria (jalepeno infused) and wasn't a fan of that either. Next time I'll stick to Mimosas (you can't make a bad mimosa). This would be a restaurant I would frequent if I lived in Chicago.
(4)
Bridget S.
For the money you're paying, I was disappointed with the food and service To start we had a nice cheese plate which was probably my favorite part of the meal. If you go, I'd recommend getting that as a starter. We also got the charcuterie plate- I wasn't a big fan of this one. For entrees, I got the walleye. Fish was cooked well and the mushrooms were good, but the dish was quite bland. I also had some of the dishes of folks I was dining and our consensus was the same- very average. Then there were a few snafus with service as well (like being seated 45 minutes after our reservation). Net net, it wasn't bad experience but it wasn't a good experience.
(3)
Jesi R.
I just had brunch here and I was extremely disappointed after reading all of these positive reviews. The portions are small ad VERY overpriced, which I may have been ok with if the food was incredible, but it wasn't. My biscuits and gravy were watery and bland, and the $5 "pretzel knots" were just cold lumps of dough with salt. With so many options in Lincoln Park, take your money elsewhere.
(3)
Brittany P.
Meh this place was ok. I went here for brunch and bloody Mary's with a few friends. The bloody tasted like it had shrimp cocktail sauce in it, so not sure what was up with that. We did order the cinnamon bun which was great; however I was not overly impressed with my meal. Atmosphere is nice and open, good location. Was nice to try for a one time meal, but not an absolute go-to spot.
(3)
Kelly A.
Amazing service. Our waiter was wonderful! However, the food was very average. I'd always wanted to come here, because I like their philosophy of locally sourced and organic foods, but I was disappointed. There were a few good items. I liked the fermented pork sausage. I liked the garnish on my fish with greens and pickled ramps and preserved lemon. The pork belly was bad. All fat. My main dish was lukewarm. I didn't realize it was part of the Boka group or I would never have gone. Their restaurants are overrated and underwhelming.
(3)
Whitney R.
Tried several appetizers and all were okay. Loved the pork roast.
(4)
lucky r.
ok this is one of my farm to table restaurants. I went there for brunch and dinner. Please don't miss out on sticky bum or French toast for brunch and dinner gotta get the tenderloin and most importantly get dessert! Food and staff were awesome
(4)
Monica A.
Had dinner last night with customers and the meal was amazing. Rarely will you get your entire group to enjoy the food as much as we did. First the resturant is very cozy, certainly setting the ton for a nice meal. Every dish we had was amazing so it is hard to pick just one. Sharing is the way to go here, order a lot of plates and share amongst your group. The prices are not outrageous for the quaility of the food. The flavors are amazing. Even the desserts were wonderful. Highly recommended!
(5)
Duncan R.
Arriving late (9pm) (a long drive from NYC) and staying in The Lincoln I was happy that the restaurant in the hotel was still open. Then space is very elegantly designed. The tables and chairs comfortable and the staff are eager. I admit it. I am pretty much over the local farm to table movement... everyone claims it for their own yet very few seem to know what it means. The words have become loaded. What does 'local' really mean? I asked the waiter and he explained that 'loca'l meant... the mid west. I ordered the pork belly to start. Pork belly and pickles... and something home made and sweet. All of the component parts of this complicated dish were excellent but jammed together on the plate I felt I was an unwilling judge on Chopped. Too much going on. Too many flavours, not enough attention to detail. The duck for the main course suffered the same fate. The barley porridge was excellent but married to the duck and the unannounced pickled melon rind... was simply too much. And, I did something I NEVER do. I left half the plate a s a protest to bad combinations. I was offered desert but they all sounded so too much. And where indeed are the 'local' lemons being harvested? This restaurant lacks the sophistication it promises when you walk through the door. Although a valiant attempt at haute cuisine it fails to match other 'farm to table' restaurants that simply let ingredients speak for themselves..
(3)
David F.
My wife and I came to Perennial Virant during restuarant week and really enjoyed our time there. I will admit that I thought this place was the best of our restuarant week adventure food-wise (others were Boka and Vie), but the atmosphere and value here weren't as good. The restuarant week menu was very nice. It had some very strong points and some not as strong points (dessert was an afterthought). The reason to come to this restuarant comes in one bite of food...the gnocchi is honestly one of the top 10 bites of food I have ever had. It was fantastic! It is worth a trip to PV alone. The other great dish we had was the pork belly. It was over a bed of french lentils and all of the delicious fat oozed over the lentils to create something magical in your mouth. I found that this restuarant did a great job with pickling ingredients as well as you can see with their jars that line the walls. Overall, we spent more than we did at Vie or Boka (both Michelin star resturants), but I left with that singular impression that the gnocchi made on me. It is one that I will not soon forget.
(5)
James Michael S.
Definitely up there with sprout and Girl and the Goat for some of the best contemporary American food in Chicago. Great flavor in all of their dishes and their waitstaff was very knowledgeable. I felt the interior design paralleled the design and flavor of the food. I was happy when I left here!
(4)
Lindsay D.
Paul Virant's new baby is FABULOUS---I can go on and on about the amazing plates they offer, but I will keep this simple, like the fresh ingredients they use---try this place out!!
(5)
Mark J.
This place is AMAZING! The chef Paul is a genius! Everything about this place was beyond belief. The service was amazing as well. There is a nice definite welcoming casual atmosphere here. Places like this make me proud to be a Chicagoan The prices are reasonable for the wonderful food you will be served. The outdoor terrace is the best place spend this summer.
(5)
Alya A.
I'm sorry to be even a slight naysayer about this place, because I really loved the food and wanted to have a perfectly lovely night, but there were so many service screwups at dinner last night that I couldn't help but post. I'm going to try to list them in order, if I can remember them all: 1. First round of drinks took AGES to arrive. In the meantime, a server came over and tried to give us someone else's salad. Our waiter barked at him and then noticed that our drinks had not yet arrived, which seemed to fluster him. Still no drinks for several minutes after that. 2. It was my boyfriend's bday last night, which I noted when I made the reservation, and our waiter came over and said happy birthday to the guy sitting next to us by mistake. This was actually pretty funny but just another indication of service disarray. 3. Our waiter took our food order really quickly (in order to get in our order of morels before they ran out) and ran off without asking us if we'd like any wine. We managed to flag him down a bit later, well before our first course arrived, and once we figured out how our food would be plated we ordered 2 glasses of cava for the first course and then a half bottle of red for the second. The cava didn't arrive until we were nearly done with our first course, and again our server noticed, and seemed really stressed/agitated about it, but somehow still couldn't make the cava appear at our table any faster. 4. We overheard several instances of waiter/servers arguing over which plates went to which tables - "those are for table 90!" "no, 94!" "92!" So much confusion. All that being said, I thought the food was really terrific - as others have stated the crispy rice/cheese curd dish was delicious, as was the pork confit, and the morels. The panna cotta dessert was unique and special. Just please get your service in order, guys!!!!
(3)
Sally B.
A Tuesday night, a frigid night in Chicago, and Perennial was a warm and rewarding refuge. We started with the Diver scallops and the beet salad. So tasteful I let the food melt on my tongue first before chewing. A cornucopia of flavors. We followed with the Whitefish and Rainbow Trout entrees, accompanied by a bottle of Sancerre. How could food this delicious also be healthy for us, too? Perennial finds a way. I love supporting seasonal dining and farm-to-table meals.
(5)
Nancy S.
This restaurant has great staff! We were there Monday (10/9/12) during dinner & everything was perfect. We met the Manager & he was very helpful & friendly. The place is gorgeous too.
(5)
A S.
It is a nice place. I like it, but can't say I love it. Food, service, and deco...all deserve 4 stars.
(4)
L. J.
Clean, crisp, well-balanced flavors . limited wine offerings by the glass; but, nevertheless, a decently nice selection. Met expectations ... will, undoubtedly, return again.
(4)
Sarah D.
Went to PV on a Friday evening for dinner with my ladies. Ambiance was great, service was good, and not one of us was disappointed with our food. They also have a great cocktail menu. Standout apps were the ham hock beignets and crispy rice. We tried all of the fish entrees (salmon, trout and whitefish) as well as the chicken parm. Clean plates all around and we would definitely go back.
(5)
David G.
I've always driven past this restaurant at the intersection of Lincoln and Clark and have kept promising myself that I would go. The outdoor patio looked absolutely amazing! Last night I finally succumbed to my inner pressures. Service: 10/10 - On our way to the restaurant, we ran into brutal traffic on Lake Shore Drive and were running 15 minutes late. In fear that we would lose our table, we spoke with a gentleman on the phone, who assured us that our table on the patio would still be available and not to worry. Sure enough, we were seated the second we walked in even though the restaurant was packed. Our hostess was an absolute riot (curly brown hair, medium height). She spent a second of her time to converse with us and made us feel right at home. Our waitress Rebecca took very good care of us, and gave us the lowdown on how much food to order as well as what beers to pair with the items we ordered. Food: 10/10 - We ordered several items: The scallops, the shrimp with tempura squash blossoms, the chedder fondue roasted green beans, the herb parisienne gnocchi and my favorite, the beef loin. Everything was incredibly flavorful. For dessert, we had the lemon pound cake, the chocolate mousse topped with peppermint ice cream and the templeton rye pannacotta. All three were heavenly! However, the pannacotta stood out for me. It was incredibly rich and had the smokiness of rye whiskey. I highly recommend it! Overall, it was an incredible experience. I look forward to coming back soon!
(5)
cindy g.
We are eating out all the time this weekend. Brunch was great. The French toast divine. The whitefish with eggs unique and a special treat. The egg skillet with spicy additional sauce so very different. All that we had hoped it to be from a foodie point of view. I feel the staff and servers were just ok. When you are in the service business you should aim to please. To the kitchen- you did a great job .
(4)
Monica M.
this was our first visit back for brunch since poli leaving and all in all, i think were in like with it. i know its not fair to compare the old to new but i just couldnt help it. the new decor is awesome! a nice mix balance modern sleek and comfy we got a sticky bun, the omelette, and french toast. bloody mary too. bun was okay. the om was okay too. french toast is better than before imo. and bloody mary? not as good, but still good! needed a little more something. i thought the old ones were amazing... menu could be more too. more like a 3.75/5. i think well return.
(4)
Kathleen O.
I've tried this place three times always wanting to love it, b/c it's so convenient to walk to. But I think it's just so-so for the price. I would go again if some friends wanted to have dinner there, b/c it's not bad food. It just doesn't strike me as something memorable or anything that I crave to go back for. Know what I mean? My good friends love the Sunday brunch tho and they're big foodies. I've gone once for lunch and twice for dinner. Would I recommend checking it out? Sure.. I think everything's worth checking out at least once.
(2)
Anya K.
Came here with my mom for brunch on Saturday morning and we loved it! We were greeted and seated on the patio overlooking the food market across the street. The scene had a pleasant Saturday morning sunny buzz about it. Everyone out and about carrying flowers and smiling, definitely enjoying themselves. Our waiter in promptly showed up and ran us through the menu and specials, however we were so hungry that we already had the whole thing picked out. I got the omelette and mom got the skillet. Both were delicious. We also ended up getting berries and cream with house coffee and green tea. The seemingly simple ingredients were exquisitely paired together and presented immaculately. I had to snap a few pictures! If you begin the food intake with your eyes is a true theory, than at Perennial they got it down. My pesto was so fresh the basil didn't even turn the dark green shade it normally does. The eggs were a bit smaller than I am used to, so I ate all my bread with butter and the muy delicious preserves (I ran a 5k race before hand, so I didn't care). Everything was fresh and steaming hot, and promptly served. Our water refilled with half full glasses and we left happy and satisfied. Waiting for the next opportunity to come back!
(5)
Carolyn H.
The new Perennial is fantastic. Food is great, service is great, and they have a really nice house wine list. The tapas menu is really nice. Portions are not skimpy and the food is very fresh. Bravo!
(4)
Holly D.
Bacon, Cheesy Grits and Sticky Buns .. . .delicious! We miss the old interior, but returned to try brunch with the new chef. One of the best brunches in the city.
(5)
GurtBurt Y.
Loves: seasonal, local menu; the vibe--perfectly classy yet comfortable; the service--attentive and humble; outdoor patio tables. We ordered the carnaroli rice (small), scallops (medium), and a beef dish (large). The latter two are no longer on the menu. All three combined ingredients in a way that featured their unique flavors and complemented the other flavors, so that every component made an important contribution to the dish. They were refreshing, and simple, while outstanding at the same time. Pricey menu, but oh so worth it. Also, they tend to lavish you with new silverware, plates, and glasses--a bit unsustainable in our opinion, but some people may prefer that.
(5)
Bill B.
cool place, great service, good food and drinks.
(4)
Donna F.
Don't be sucked in by all the hype. There's a lot better places to go. They need to make up their mind if they're casual or high scale. They come off as rather pretentious. They try to have the class and flair of an upscale restaurant, but fail to do so in my opinion. First of all when you're charging those prices, don't have your staff wearing jeans and don't commit the cardinal sin of putting utensils directly on the table every time you place them down. It's a bacteria fiesta on the table! Also, don't take away my bread plate before asking me if I'd like more bread(or do I have to beg). Even at my corner diner they know not to bring soup and salad at the same time, not here. Oh yes, there's the food--good mushroom soup, salad you can get anywhere, dinner portions small, but tasty. Not worth it, I won't go back. If not for the location, they couldn't get away with it.
(2)
Joel D.
Visited this restaurant last Th night, with a group of 10, which started as a group of 6 and we changed the reservations 3 times and they were extremely adaptable. Pre-dinner cocktails were tasty, I enjoyed the Currant Cobbler. We had a group of people who enjoyed tasting several dishes, our faves were the gnocchi dish, the young chicken, the deviled eggs were surprisingly good, the cheese platter had a nice aged cheddar on it. I'm not a fan of scallops but some in the group were and said they were the best they've ever had, perfectly cooked. We also enjoyed some nice rioja, 4 bottles to be exact. We were there for my gf bday and they brought out a dessert to share without asking. Cherry on top was our server Anna, she took care of us the entire night and was on point with everything, couldn't have asked for better service. Also, 10 people, lots of drinks, 4 bottles of wine, lots of food, and the bill was 600 bucks, can't beat that. Next time in Chi, I will be heading straight there.
(5)
Michael B.
agree with Alex R. I had dinner there last night, October 10, and Just strange, for a seasonal, Fresh, Restaurant, not to have Heirloom tomatoes or even "regular" Tomatoes. Shame! Ok, so as a hobby I grow heirloom tomatoes and have a "fresh farm mentality" so I'm partial. Perhaps I should grow and supplyu them next season! Suffice it to say that as much as I love tomatoes, I do not like beets, BUT the small plate of beets was amazing, I'm a new fan Also, the strange sounding Fried rice/cheese small plate was heaven. Chef Virant is the master at combining ingredients/flavors. Ok, moving on, the steak/pork/Trout/..... all perfectly/expertly prepared but just "so so" nothing special/innovative; sort of boring (was not expecting greatness. I would have settled for tasty" As sooooooooo many of other reviewers say "GO FOR BRUNCH" I will look forward to that and will report later "THE SPANIEL REVIEWS"
(3)
Jeff D.
Our first time back since the name change and Perennial is still great. It is tough to go wrong with their brunch menu... Omelette with radish, skillet, meatloaf all exceeded expectations and the ingredients seemed to be sourced from Green City across the street. Although I would not order the salmon again.
(4)
Jaime L.
Perennial was one of my favs. I did not know it was now Perennial Virant and was a little disappointed when I showed up to something different than what I expected. I was even more turned off when they took us to a community table (not loving this new fad) and we had to sit with a table full of strangers, especially because my husband and I were there to celebrate a special occasion. Nonetheless, once I accepted the new place and the strangers around me, I was blown away by the food and drinks. The service was excellent. Amaze. I will be back!
(4)
Nadim A.
We went to the new Perennial for a birthday celebration. Ordered 10 plates to share. While there were quite a few good ones, overall we were not that satisfied. Here is what we ordered: carnaroli rice: plain and almost flavorless carrots & feta: was OK bar snack: the egg was OK, but kale was super oily king's wing: those were good midwest cheeses: was OK summer sausage: that was good seared diver sea scallop: that was good grilled dietzler farm beef loin: that plain and the mushrooms had too much vinegar in it smoked beef: that was really good, but too much fat on the meat In addition, our server did not know the menu that well and there was a long delay between plates coming out.
(2)
Chris M.
I really dont see how you can have a bad meal or a bad time for that matter when coming to this wonderful establishment. The food is ridiculous. Just insane. Reminds me a lot of home cooking my mother and grandmother use to make on a daily basis so to find such memories locked up in the heart of Lincoln park, you bet your bottom dollar I will be coming back. Mr. Buckingham (manager on duty) made sure everything we needed was on our table time in and time out, tremendous service from himself and the wait staff. Compliments to the bake staff, specifically Ms. Napoloeni who bakes just the most scrumptious treats ever. If attending brunch the brunch, you MUSSSST efin MUSSST try the sticky bun....omfg...homemade caramel sauce and the juciest stickiest bun EVER. Love it and cant speak highly enough fo the atmosphere and staff! If you are rating this anything under a 3/4 you have issues.
(5)
Heinz D.
Terrific for brunch, this restaurant is a casual, contemporary restaurant with an elegant touch. They have all the standard brunch items you would expect, with a twist of gourmet added to each. Every dish was artfully presented and tasted terrific. Service was attentive and friendly. Located next to the Hotel Lincoln in Lincoln Park. The price is reasonable for the quality you receive. Great for large groups. I would come back again.
(4)
Blake G.
Was in Chicago visiting friends last weekend and it was recommended that we had to try this restaurant. The experience more than exceeded the recommendation. From the drinks from Matt at the Bar to the last bite of the evening everything was amazing. I really enjoyed how open the restaurant felt and the general positive and relaxed atmosphere exuded from the staff and the other patrons. The menu consists of small plates that vary in sizes which I really enjoy because it allows for people to try different dishes and creates a great food conversation during your meal. The food was all fantastic and very fresh, but I especially enjoyed the crispy carnaroli rice. I have never had anything quite like this and was ready to order about two more plates right away even though we still had plenty more food still coming out. I also would recommend the gnocchi, the sea scallops and really enjoyed the wines on the menu especially the Grenache from Rhone Valley. I was really pleased with how well the staff communicated with us especially the general manager, Ben. He really appeared to care about our experience and wanted to make sure we were enjoying everything. I do not make it out to Chicago as often as I would like, but from now on I will make a point of having dinner here every time I am in town for a visit. I cannot wait to come back again.
(5)
Jacquelyn G.
I wanted to go to this place back when it was just Perennial, and finally went now that it's Perennial Virant. My girlfriends and I had an 8:45 reservation and our table wasn't ready when we got there, so we waited in the lounge and had a drink--no big deal. The lounge space is nice, but there's a lot of open space where I feel like they could've probably had a few more tables. There's ample seating, but as it was we snagged the last table on a Saturday night. We didn't have to hang out in the lounge too terribly long before we were whisked to our dinner table. I really like the decor and feel of this place--understated elegance maybe? It's decorated really simply and tastefully but has somewhat of a fancy feel to it, but it isn't, as is evidenced by the servers wearing the uniform of all hipsters--plaid shirts and skinny jeans. I don't know why that bugged me so much but it just didn't "go". Onto the important part--the food. My GFs and I shared: crispy carnaroli rice, bar snacks, king's wings and fried green tomatoes. We each had our own "main" dish - scallops, sturgeon and beef loin. One of the gals commented that while the main dishes were lovely, she would've been satisfied with just sharing some more of the smaller plates because they stole the show--agreed. The crispy rice was without a doubt the table's favorite. It's cheesy and crispy and gooey and just delicious. I also really loved the bar snacks--especially the crispy kale. It was so incredibly light and crispy I felt like I was eating space food or something--but loved it. I didn't care for the fried green tomatoes at all. Just too much going on with them--some kind of sauce, some type of meat, some type of pea. The tomato just got lost in it all. We also shared some lemony butter pound cake which was good. I don't typically order dessert at restaurants because I'm usually underwhelmed by it, and that was the case here, but it was good. And a nice little taste of sweet to end the meal. I'm giving them four stars because the service is almost too overbearing. We had a super friendly and helpful waiter, but also 10 other people servicing our table for water, drinks, etc. etc. etc. It was just too much. And they all hover around so you feel like they are watching your every move (because they are). I certainly appreciate good service, but I think they could bring it down just a notch. Also I would love if they found a uniform that didn't involve plaid shirts and skinny jeans.
(4)
matthew b.
I really wanted to give this place only two stars for the service because our host was so bad. A 30 minute wait past our reservation time only earned my wife and I seats placed awkwardly across from another couple, instead of you know, each other. But a quick complaint got us seats outside and our waiter was so welcoming and enthusiastic for the food, he deserves five stars. The food itself is stellar. We had the crispy rice (cheesy and amazing), the pork scaloppini milanese (good but not great), the short ribs (great), and the gnocchi (the stand out in meal of stand outs). Combine that with an excellent beer list with lots of budget friendly options and we'll definitely be back.
(4)
Kristen H.
Last night I visited here with friends from out of town. They made the reservation as they had gotten recommendations to visit. While very trendy and hip, some of the food didn't quite live of to the hype and expectations I had of this place. Personally, I visit places for the food and the ambiance and crowd are extra bonuses. I shared a few things: bar snacks, roasted fall squash, gnocchi and the walleye pike. I'll start with the bar snacks which consisted of fried pickles, corn nuts and deviled eggs. The fried pickles, all I could taste was the breading and not the pickle - sad b/c I love pickles. The corn nuts were fun - some spicy others sweet. The deviled egg - something was off. Sometimes if it ain't broke, don't change it & keep it simple. The squash was good, but I felt it was overwhelmed by the amount of moon glow cheese. The cheese itself was tasty as it was creamy & sweeter (the waiter informed us that they brush it with pears), but it just overtook the squash flavor that I wanted to melt in my mouth. The gnochhi was delish - hands down my favorite thing we ordered. The combo of smoked cheddar, ham and creme fraiche was paired together nicely. Finally, the walleye pike was cooked perfectly and the hush puppies that accompanied it were fun too (hadn't had hush puppies in forever). Overall, it's another place that's hyped up, but needs to step it up just a tad more to get that additional star. The service though was good despite the bar forgetting my beer.
(3)
Kero P.
delicious
(5)
Jim C.
went for Sunday brunch - smaller portions, overly priced - food well done, properly prepared - no server over 25, but water glasses filled and checked on regularly - nice room, probably better for a classy date in the evening
(3)
Becca H.
I went to Perennial Virant with my two room mates last weekend for a celebratory meal/ splurge. We had a 9:00 reservation on a Saturday night, and the place was definitely still crowded but nothing ridiculous. The restaurant itself has a very home-y vibe to it, and is really cute. I liked that the lights weren't super dim, and it never felt pretentious like some of the other trendier restaurants in Chicago. Everyone who we interacted with who worked there were very friendly and knowledgeable. Our waitress seemed so passionate about the food when discussing the specials and her favorite cocktails and entrees. The cocktails were excellent. Definitely bang for your buck, they're about $12 each I think, but they're strong. The summery ones were very light and delicious. For the three of us, we shared a Medium plate, the gnocchi, which was AMAZING. It was perfect to split between the three of us as our appetizer. Then we each ordered our own Large plate. I tried the salmon which was so fresh and delectable. My room mates tried the whitefish and the eggplant chorizo dish, both of which were also amazing. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant! It was definitely a splurge for three girls with entry level jobs and a stiff budget, but I would definitely recommend it as a place to go with friends, a date, or with family.
(5)
Susan A.
My husband and I had a spectacular dinner at Perennial Virant in mid-October. The service was attentive, but with a light touch. And the food was wildly tasty! The rabbit "gnudi" was our favorite, but we loved it all. Will return again in a heartbeat next time we are in Chicago!
(5)
Lois B.
It is the best! Don't miss this great food...
(5)
Colleen N.
If you go to brunch and you do not get the potatoes, you are a fool. They are one of the greatest things I have ever tasted. The cheese is just terrific and make them extra special. My eggs were good and my friend's skillet looked, smelled, and supposedly tasted amazing. Our server was super nice and figured out our timing very easily. My friends had the rhubarb honey mimosas which they loved while I went with a screwdriver. I absolutely loved this place and cannot wait to go back for brunch very soon!
(5)
Maureen K.
Had a great experience there! Great food. Great atmosphere. Service was outstanding. Very Knowledgable staff.
(4)
Colleen M.
Had a wonderful brunch at Perennial Virant this weekend and can't wait to go back! We've been here for dinner a few times, which was also amazing, but loved the fact that we could bring our son and a beautiful Sunday morning, sit outside, and enjoy Paul Virant's amazing food! We tried a few different menu items, but the skillet, french toast, and sticky bun were our favorites. The service is just right and the ambiance is perfect. We couldn't be happier with the new PV. Way to go, Chef Virant!
(5)
Stefanie P.
Just came back from Perennial Virant. What a disappointing experience. I loved the old Perennial so I had high hopes for this place. The food was only ok, nothing to write home about. The bothersome thing is that the concept of small plates completely seemed to by pass them (other than the dishes being small with an entree price tag). My husband and I ordered three dishes to share, with the intention of ordering more (just like at other small plate restaurants). However, as the meal progressed, we lost interest in prolonging the experience. Each dish was served as if it was it's own course, split between the two of us, rather than just bringing them out as the kitchen prepared them. Given how long this process took, we decided to cut our losses and have some cheese and crackers at home rather than wait for additional dishes to be prepared. I don't think we will be back.
(2)
Lyn W.
A remarkable experience. Outstanding food and service, beautiful comfortable decor. Terrific cocktails. Seated on time. We let our server Chris select for the four of us. 12 different plates shared so we tasted about everything. Standouts: spring peas, scallops, walleye, rice dish (can't remember name). Food served timely, excellent pace. Absolutely wonderful birthday celebration. For us, this outshines The Girl & The Goat which we found totally overrated. Lyn W.
(5)
Paul T.
I met a friend for dinner here about a month ago. I ordered the hush puppy appetizer and had a pork tenderloin entree. The hush puppies were boring, but the pork tenderloin was downright terrible. The tenderloin was thin and tough! Tenderloin is NOT supposed to be tough. The tenderloin I get from the grocery store is way better. The only reason I am giving 2 stars and not 1 is because the service was efficient and the decor is nice. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Perennial Virant.
(2)
Maddie R.
Great little place! We came in for brunch this afternoon and were very happy with everything! I love the interior design! The mason jar lighting is super cute. We made reservations ahead of time, so we didn't have to wait at all once we arrived. The service was very good! Our waiter checked in with us regularly and never let our water glasses get below half-full. One of our party even wanted a pecan sticky bun to go, and our waiter even held the very last one out to make sure she got it. Everything on the menu sounded awesome and I love how the ingredients are locally sourced. I got to try the PV omelet, which came with pork loin, chevre, pesto, and market vegetables, as well as the 3-egg skillet with corn chow chow, bacon, and a capriko topping. The omelet was tasty; the flavors all worked really well together. I preferred the skillet, however, which had a nice richness to it. The homefries were tasty as well, but nothing particularly special. Overall, a really nice experience with some delicious food.
(4)
Jennifer M.
Went here on a Friday night with a few friends to celebrate a birthday and it was a wonderful experience. The portions are a bit smaller than I like however were extremely tasty. For 6 of us, we split a few appetizers and entrees. They also brought out some complimentary cookies for the birthday girl which were awesome! For apps, we started with the Rice Cake, Potato Gnocchi, and Pickled Perch salad. For entrees, we ordered 2 orders of the Chicken Ballotine and an order of the Fettuccini. Even though we all didn't want to eat too much, I would've ordered one more Fettuccini from a quanitity standpoint. The Fettuccini defintely had a strong different flavor to it; that one we were split on, some loved it, some not so much. We also ordered a side of the Kale and we were all hooked on it. It had a garlic flavor to it and was soft but crunchy. YUM. We all agreed the chicken was very good as well. Beautiful restaurant!
(4)
Elizabeth C.
To be fair, I've been to Perennial Virant a few times, all for brunch. This review is based on my most recent visit, and unfortunately the food experience was just terrible. Ambiance for brunch is great, you don't have to wait for 3 hours to get a table, and the staff is always pleasant. This time I ordered the PV Omelet, and honestly I don't think I've ever had such a terrible "omelet" in my entire life. A rubbery, flat folded egg, with some random carrots (I think?) stuck inside. At least 4 other people at my table ordered the same thing and every single one of us thought it was terrible. The other items I've had during previous visits were great, so I was sad to have such a negative experience. Time to step it up, PV! I know you can do better!
(3)
Hayley N.
Was beyond impressed with the deliciousness and presentation. The service was also fantastic for a big group of rowdy girls. I believe our server was Keta? Great service.
(5)
Christie M.
This place is truly special. My husband and I had absolutely horrible service, had our entire meal comped by the manager, and I still feel compelled to give it 4 stars. I have been here before and loved this place, but had never sat outside on their patio for brunch, which in my opinion, the real reason you go to perennial virant. I had really wanted to bring my husband here during the summer, and we had been planning for several months to have brunch at PV and today was finally the day. We enjoyed their seasonal mimosa (similar to a red wine sangria) and their traditional mimosa, along with a sicky bun to start, PV omelette (changes frequently) and the strawberry French toast. The food was absolutely divine, and not marred by the very poor service. When we had gotten seated on the patio, there were very few tables out there, and yet from the beginning, our waiter was MIA. We even had another server come by and check on us since our drinks had not arrived. Fast forward 40 minutes and our entrees had still not come. But, it was a gorgeous day, I was enjoying my mimosa and not too bothered about it, until I saw two tables that had come in after us had already gotten their food. After another 10 minutes, we asked another waiter to get our server for us to inquire about the delay. Eventually we received our food with barely an apology from our server for our long wait. Fortunately, a breakfast manager came over to our table and apologized profusely. She comped our entire meal and gave us two $10 coupons to come back for brunch again. As I said, I am a huge fan of this place and believe our experience with this waiter in particular was a one-off. I will definitely be back for brunch in the future.
(4)
Heather G.
My husband and I went for dinner the day before Valentine's Day. Overall a good experience. I don't typically eat (or like) bone marrow, but my husband ordered it and I tried it and actually enjoyed it. We also ordered the gnocchi as an appetizer and it was AMAZING. Probably the best gnocchi we have ever had. I ordered the pork and my husband got the whole rainbow trout and both were very good dishes. We finished up with a cheese plate and dessert. The service was also good and attentive. Overall we were impressed!
(4)
Connie Y.
Came here with reservations for a Saturday brunch with some friends. We started off with the housemade donut and sticky bun. Definitely preferred the sticky bun over the doughnut. While their donut was good and I am a big fan of sour cream old-fashioned donuts (which it essentially was), I thought I could get the same - if not actually better - at Dunkin...also for much less. Some of my friends commented at how they thought it would be more moist considering it was housemade. I ordered the chicken fried steak which was okay, not quite as good as I had imagined it would be, but I definitely loved the mashed potatoes that it came with. Rich with flavor and super creamy! I think I actually enjoyed my friends' choices better. Two of them ordered the PV omelet and one of them ordered the egg skillet. The omelet was so fluffy and big! The egg skillet, though seemingly simple, was really good with the asparagus and spinach that accompanied it. The slices of bread that both dishes came with were also very good too. We all pretty much ordered the coffee which I wasn't a big fan of. Overall, while the food was pretty good and I would return for a second visit, there are other brunch places that I've enjoyed much more.
(3)
Kori E.
My parents came into town for my birthday a few Sundays ago and we came here for brunch! There was a group of 9 of us and our server was great - eccentric - but great!! We started off with the donut and sticky bun and both were great. Everyone pretty much switched it up for their mains, but I got the 3 egg skillet and it was delicious - just a little heavy for my stomach that morning. My BF got the steak and eggs and his was delish!! I really liked his. All and all, I think everyone was very pleased with their meals. But, I must note, the bloody Mary's are kinda weird. I don't know that I would order another.
(4)
Joseph L.
Went here for brunch on a Saturday morning. Sat outside and it was a great atmosphere. Until the service started and food came. It seemed as if all the real waiter called in sick and they had substitutes filing in. I had up to 3 different waiters at any given time asking me all the same questions. They spilled our drinks right in front of us. They brought out jam and butter, but no bread? We were confused. Even if there was bread it wouldn't have matter b/c there was no silverware or napkins. I can get over service, I can't get over the terrible food. I ordered an omelet. There are two omelets on the menu, they brought out the wrong one and it was disgusting. It was dry eggs with some pesto sauce inside of it and some really really dry "prosciutto" on top. The potato wedges literally seemed like they had been sitting out since 6:30 that morning, I am surprised I didn't chip a tooth eating them. My wife had the biscuits and gravy and it was decent but over all just whatevs. Service: 2 Food: 1.5 Atmosphere: 3.5 Value: 2.5 Hope this helps. After all this I would still go back in a pinch (a big pinch) b/c the location is great and I enjoyed the outdoor seating.
(2)
Leah R.
I dined here with my in laws over the weekend. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive. Food was fresh and flavorful. I had sea scallops and my husband had the sausage. The beet salad was also very tasty. The menu changes with the season and what can be bought fresh. Portions are not huge but food is very good and everyone left full. We will be coming back! Great place to take visitors for a nice dinner out!
(4)
Jeffrey Z.
Terrible brunch. The grits tasted like pure bacon (which is not what I want in grits). I had the steak and eggs. The steak was overcooked and flavorless. Service was mediocre. I would never come here for brunch again and I've never been impressed by the dinner.
(2)
Susan R.
Restaurant Week dinner was fabulous. Portions were perfect. Will definitely return to order off the regular menu. Beet salad was delicious, the parisian gnocchi were very different from Italian and were scrumptious, and the scallops were perfection. I managed to also finish the bite size portion of panna cotta. Hubby was happy to have a good selection of beer as well.
(5)
Stephen P.
I went back to this gem after a pretty negative experience. The food was as great usual and the team truly made sure that I quickly forgot my previous experience. Thank you PV for making it up and making me a loyal customer.
(5)
Elaine S.
This place is such a gem. The waitstaff was fantastic - big props to my waitress Kate for making our brunch a memorable one! I highly recommend the doughnut (stuffed with toasted marshmallow fluff, WHAT?!).
(5)
Kay N.
FOOD: always, ALWAYS amazing. SERVICE: hit or miss. See below The good: When they're on, they are ON. I think they must have their A-team working the patio on weekends for brunch, because this is always where I've had the best experience. They are attentive without being invasive, and the drinks are ever-flowing. The bad: Sometimes, we wait a little too long for drinks. Or we're visited by one too many people. Or the wait staff seems just a little drained. The ugly: Worst experience - in one single visit - included: -- Our conversation was interrupted almost constantly by the staff -- And I mean the ENTIRE staff. Not just our server, but 2 or 3 hostesses, a manager, and someone refilling water. All of them asking "how is everything?" (Stop. Asking.) -- Our cocktails were cleared before they were empty -- Other cocktails were brought so late in the meal, we were already waiting for the check -- Awkwardness / lack of "touch." One person in our group ordered just an appetizer, saying: "I'll start with that and see how I feel." Our waitress proceeded to swing by the table every few minutes to ask, "so? how do you feel?"even before the appetizer had arrived, and again just a moment after it had, when we had scarcely taken a bite.
(3)
Lauren R.
My husband and I visited PV for Restaurant Week specifically because they had a great pescatarian/mainly vegetarian menu, and my red meat-eating husband was as blown away as me! From the first moment checking in the host to our fabulous waitress and wait staff, I thought the employees at PV were extremely kind and attentive. My water glass was always full! First course: beet salad and it was delicious. Second course (best course): mushroom gnocchi with so much flavor and local vegetables that we wanted seconds. Third Course: Scallops - perfectly cooked, would have wanted a bit more of the delish sauce. Fourth Course (2nd best course): Honey Lemon Curd Panna Cotta - perfect balance in texture between a flan and cheese cake. I also was not drinking that night, but the mocktail they prepared with ginger beer and lemon was spot on - I felt like I was drinking a regular cocktail. Overall, great service, great food, great atmosphere. We will be back!
(5)
Joel G.
Always an excellent meal at this place. I went with my buddy for chef week and it delivered as usual. Great cheese selection off the app list and the wine list is solid as well. Can't comment on the normal menu as its been several months since i ate here but it was very good. The chef week selection was very good with the scallops being the dish of choice. They were some of the biggest scallops I have seen recently dining out and they were cooked to perfection. Really impressed considering it was a chef week special. Recommend this place and they have some nice outdoor seating as the weather improves and the JParker on the roof of the building is a great after dinner bar. Wonderful views and nice to walk through the park after dinner as well.
(4)
Jay R.
Atmosphere is comfortable open airy with lots of windows that look onto street neat city view to watch. Decor is a kind of chic but comfortable feel I call it. Service was good and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu down to ingredients used in each dish, this was helpful to us because of food allergy & dislikes. Food Jar Snacks- fried pickles, egg salad and pork loin all good but nothing that unique or with flavors that made you start shaking your head like a bobble head doll in a earthquake. ( fried pickles are served everywhere) Hushpuppies- Yummity yum yum yum!!! Do get these they are nice crispy corn deep fried yumminess for sure, It's served with a relish with smoky pork in it that is spectacular. I could just imagine myself eating these on a back woods porch saying nothing but uh huh fried hushpuppies. 5 star good ***** Crispy rice cake- very interesting dish the pea shoots add a fresh flavor and the home made pickled beans where fantastic, nice balance to the crispy rice cake, good dish. My only issue with our apps and maybe our problem how we ordered - fried pickles, fried hushpuppies, fried rice cake. to much fried. Good as it all was to much fried for a refined menu. Main Event- Beef loin- Beef came out perfectly cooked cut in slices. The fried kale it came with was so good a place serving this would be a contradiction in eating healthy like when I told my mom I was at the library when I was in college ( the library bar that was haha) I am eating Kale mom haha. The arugula and basil mayo was also good but the basil mayo hide the flavor of the steak not good to do with a good piece of steak. Sockeye salmon I had a taste of very good but the relish seemed over powering and to strong and it did not get eaten. Hominy was crunch nice texture very good. My only gripe with this place is it is expensive. Maybe I am turning into my dad but the least expensive entree item on the dinner menu is a tomato tart at 24 bucks, everything else is in the 30s. Cost with apps, wine ect you will be at just shy of 200 bucks out the door for a couple. OK maybe I am turning into my dad cause I remember when you could get dinner for 2 for 15 bucks and we came home with left overs, which we had to carry walking into the wind and up hill both ways.
(4)
Katelyn W.
Another great experience. This place is the real deal. I have had both brunch and dinner and I am always pleasantly surprised with the freshness and flavor of the dishes. This time we sat at the bar. I wish I would've gotten the bartenders name. She had short dark hair and was excellent. Made sitting at the bar feel like we were getting the full experience. I would recommend sitting by a window as the people watching is great. For brunch their mimosas are good. This place is a bit pricey but I'd say worth every penny. I had an omelette with pesto and home fries. There is nothing greasy or over oiled about this. I believe they change the menu frequently so I would recommend anything. All good!
(5)
Jacob S.
Wow. PV got ROBBED at this year's Michelin awards. I cannot believe it did not receive a star. One of the best dining experiences I've ever had (and I work at a 2 Michelin star restaurant...). The staff was amazing (the guy knew EVERYTHING about the everything), impressive wine list and had a fun, fresh, creative, filling, menu with a flavorful take on pickled food. Get the Crispy Carnaroli rice cake. You will not regret it. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Such a beautiful building and romantic neighborhood. Ok, here's what you do: Get a date, walk through the zoo, go up to the top floor of Hotel Lincoln to J. Parker for a drink and unparalleled view of the lake, zoo, park, city etc. Head downstairs for an incredible meal, thank me in the morning.
(5)
S L.
I wish I could create words to express how amazing this food is. The drinks are also phenomenal. Not only are the ingredients of extremely high quality, the tastiness of this food is unbelievable. I thought I've had some good food in Chicago. I had no idea this flavor journey was right down the street from me. You may look at the menu and think it looks a little pricey but I assure you, it isn't. The quality is far superior to anything in this price range. Katie was our server and she's just delightful and professional at the same time. Very impressed.
(5)
Joey L.
The location is great right by the park and lake. However the service is slow, not friendly and staff came across as rude. The food was simply awful. I am from Chicago and was looking forward to enjoying Sunday brunch there with friends. A table of four all agreed the entire experience was less than satisfactory. Don't waste your time there for breakfast. Sad that the lovely space and corner location is wasted. New staff n chef and we will give it another try.
(1)
Lily P.
Donuts were good and some of the other pastries are sold out fast! I was trying to figure what to get and my coworker got the biscuit and gravy which was good (even though the presentation was not). Corned beef hash was the breakfast of my choice. It was very good and meaty. I can see this being a girl brunch location as it was very beautiful and girly inside. It reminded me more of a nice hotels lobby bar.
(3)
Chip H.
I'm not giving it a Michelin award.... but as far as a great meal at a gorgeous restaurant, with fantastic service goes, this place hits the mark. Everything was delicious. Particularly loved (and I mean LOVED) the ice cream sandwich! Perfect for a important night or wining and dining that special someone.
(5)
Jill S.
One of my best dining experiences ever!!!We were greeted by friendly, outgoing staff. The meal was truly unique and bursting with creative artistic flavors. We were served promptly and timely, never waiting nor rushed. Ambiance is upscale, stylish and fashionable. PV had a full house on Saturday night...understandable, considering they have EVERY base covered. Can't wait to return!!!! P.S. Feel so lucky to reside in PV neighborhood! P.SS Can't wait to try the Sunday brunch, I've been hearing nonstop RAVE reviews!!!
(5)
Yvonne B.
Exquisite decor and posh furniture coupled with the jovial din of banter and the muffled underbelly of club music provided the setting for brunch at the Perennial Virant. Classy Gen-Xers and the single, gray-haired gentleman reading the newspaper on his iPad were our extras. Vibrant staff were the orchestrators. Looking out at Lincoln Park in the spring while we were enveloped by the Perennial Virant for brunch made me feel like I'd walked into a cut scene from "Cruel Intentions." M ordered a mimosa and I had a Bloody Mary (see my picture). The Bloody Mary was made with freshly pureed tomatoes and was garnished with a sliver of beet. M thought it tasted like shrimp cocktail sauce and I conceded. Fortunately for me, I like cocktail sauce, but several other Bloody Mary's are far superior to the one from Perennial Virant. It was the food that was the shining star of our brunch. M had steak and eggs. She greedily consumed the potatoes, cheese curds, and hollandaise sauce that covered an egg and her steak. The steak was well-done even though she specifically requested it to be medium rare. The server nodded knowingly and explained that such a thin slice of meat is barely cooked anyway. Au contraire! Besides that affront, M felt as if this brunch food was only surpassed by the glory of Longman and Eagle. My Laughing Bird Shrimp and Grits and side of bacon (see my picture) was heaven to behold and devourer. I must admit that I got it because I was tickled by the name, but I would get it again and again and again. The bacon, well. I got that because I always get bacon. The grits came almost like a slice of square polenta and was topped with tomatoes, shrimp, and other niceties that blended beautifully both visually and delectably. If I didn't know better, I would say that the bacon was grilled pork belly except with more meat and less fat. It was not your regular side of bacon, that's for sure! I would say that Perennial Virant is easily in our top three brunch places. I mean, if we're going to spend about $55 for two people for brunch, Perennial Virant is in that particular category.
(4)
Kris U.
Attached to my fave hotel in Chicago (Hotel Lincoln) I sauntered down to the Perennial Virant one morning during my stay in Chicago last November for a quick breakfast for one. Matching the beauty and cool vibe of the Hotel Lincoln I was really impressed with the decor and layout of PV. It was very classy (almost to much for me). Unfortunately as it's been 4-5 months since my last visit I only have a couple of my notes to go on to remind me about my experience. What I do recall is the food and the super Friendly staff. I was the only person in the restaurant that morning and I was treated like I was the only person in the world. My server, the manager and another staff member all came by to check on me at different points. Huge points! As for the food here I had PV omelet and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The Omlet ($13) was made with 3 eggs, prosciutto, mouton frais, shaved summer vegetables, pesto and served with a side of toast! A VIR-tual explosion of flavour in my mouth. And in addition the freshly squeezed OJ was one of the freshest and tastiest I've had outside of the state of Florida! If in Chicago and near Lincoln Park I heartily recommend you pay this place a visit - delish! Eatcrest Out!
(5)
Yasmin C.
Omg...came here to overindulge on Saturday brunch, and we did just that and more. I'm not sure I knew it was possible to engage in such extreme gluttony and still return home with about two days' worth of leftovers. My friend and I showed up a bit late for our reservation but were greeted courteously despite that. The restaurant is really beautiful and spacious and well-lit, upscale without being pretentious, since the staff is so friendly. We were seated by a window and given our menus so that the gluttony could ensue. We started with a traditional bloody Mary for each...savory, spicy, and delish. My friend, the Lincoln Park resident, had heard great things about the donuts so we ordered one of those (cranberry with fig filling), not realizing ahead of time the monstrosity of the portion. We also ordered biscuits and gravy, French toast, and a side of homefries (because my friend raved about the cheese curds). Highlights? Pretty much everything. The donut was unbelievable (albeit massive) and unique...as was the chicken sausage gravy served with the biscuits...and the cheese curds and potatoes were, as projected, amazing. The French toast pretty much went untouched, since it came last and we were already stuffed to the brim, though we each took one bite so that we could sample the delicious carrot jam and cream cheese glaze. SO good. We boxed up the rest of that and of the large serving of potatoes and then rolled out of there after paying. REALLY loved this brunch! Super friendly staff, great ambiance, and amazing food! If I lived here, this was for sure be a regular spot for me!!
(5)
Jenny H.
Eat what you can, can what you can't! I was told that Perennial used to follow a menu chalk full of plates to share. While long gone, offerings have since followed a more simplistic structure. We arrived for dinner on a Sunday night soaked in the plush yet minimalist, rural-rustic charm. GNOCCHI I haven't had many gnocchi encounters in my life, but this easily tops the list! Light and soft, with great pieces of smoked salmon. RAINBOW TROUT Crisp yet tender and complemented surprisingly well with the textures and tastes of the buckwheat croutons and roasted wheatberries. Since we were strapped for time we skipped dessert, though the menu looked rather promising. I loved admiring the array of jars adorning one of the walls-- a showcase of Virant's dedication to the process of pickling. Repeat trip for gnocchi and dessert!
(4)
Hildy W.
Visited this place last Saturday, and still having good feelings of just thinking back on it ! The dinning experience is amazing from champagne toast on roof top for starters to entering the beautiful restaurant a wonderful combo of rustic meets modern. The atmosphere is chic and filled with beautiful people. Every bite was deliciouso. Must have the chucutery! The manager Jason treats you like family, and staff is attentive and knows exactly what you must taste!
(5)
Bessie R.
The food was incredible!! I am only giving 4 stars due to how small the portions were given the high prices. Also, I love that they are a dog friendly restaurant! we brought our chocolate labs with it and was so nice to sit outside and eat with our dogs!!
(4)
Kelsey S.
I just went to Perennial Virant for brunch for my sister's birthday. It was easy to get a reservation and they made her birthday special! The decor is clean, sanitary, welcoming, and they played great music the whole time. The mimosas were to die for, especially the seasonal plum mimosa (which we indulged in more than one). The staff was attentive but gave us plenty of time to talk and relax together without being intrusive. The staff was easy to talk to and made our experience more than pleasant. The food, my sister got the biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were buttery, flakey, and the perfect accompaniment to the gravy which was rich in flavor but not cream based. I had the breakfast plate which was eggs, home fries, cheese curds, and toast. Everything was cooked perfectly, seasoned well and the portions were just right. We received a complimentary plate of cinnamon bread and jam for her birthday which was crispy on the outside and soft and sweet in the inside, the raspberry and bourbon jam was sweet and tangy. I can't wait to go back and try the dinner menu!
(5)
Kristina S.
Amazing food. Great service.
(5)
HRH J.
Chicago is known for brunch. Went there to try it out. Place looked very nice and the menu, though with not many options, I thought they would be great. We ordered bloody Mary's and they were meh. Our friend ordered their fruity cocktail and he sent it back because of how excessively sweet it was and it had too much ice. We placed our order and waited long. Meanwhile they brought a plate with butter and what they said was a jam that the chef is known for... And no bread! I guess they expected us to stare at it. Food came almost 30 min later (only 3 dishes). When they arrived I asked about why they didn't give us bread and their answer was, "Well your plate brings bread". So why being the jam 30 min earlier???? The jam was sour and nothing special at all. I ordered the sausage and it was not good. Only ate one slice. Unevenly cooked, parts of it was pink, others burnt... Bad! Must had been frozen and tossed in a skillet. The potatoes with melted cheese were cold and my friends also were unsatisfied with their dishes. The oatmeal was plain and simple and the skillet was decent. Not going back. Not recommending. Sorry.
(2)
Claire N.
In town from Miami for the national qualifier windy city volleyball tournament and thoroughly enjoying the culinary experiences of Chicago. After spending the morning at the zoo we were ready for a cozy spot for brunch. We had no reservations and just happened upon this amazing spot! We felt so lucky to be seated immediately in the coziest booth table with warm sunshine streaming in the window. We had tried to get in to a few other nearby places and everything was packed with long waits. The food and service were fabulous. We knew right after being seated that we were in good hands. I immediately noticed the fabulous cook book by the chef/owner on the side table and was intrigued. It was great to know we were in the hands of professionals! I had the chicken fried steak with egg and it was scrumptious. The tomatoes provided a burst of flavor on the side. The girls loved the ambiance and the lovely jam and fresh butter on the side. Everything was awesome.
(5)
Michael L. And Michelle G.
So far we have only been there for breakfast, but it has wet our appetite for more. In the Lincoln Hotel, yes, it has a great room, windows all around looking onto Wells and Clark and Lincoln. For summer, outside atmosphere, exquisite with its wood furniture, plants and overhead arbor for sun or shade your choice. For inside the room is simple with Edison lights, elegant and peaceful. The food is actually purchased every morning fresh from the farmers market across the street on Saturdays anyway. So their menu of creative corn bread with eggs, the PV omelet, short ribs, and extraordinary items rock like a 5 star menu, but for breakfast at breakfast prices. The best part is their sweet choices, like their ever present, baked almost that moment sticky buns, soft and drenched in fresh caramel sauce and nuts...always a starter for us. Wait staff, outstanding and friendly and they do remember you. Go for breakfast, and you too will be slating dinner next. Keep up the awesome simplicity and freshness that delivers and intrigues. Michelle G. Agreed. The sweet roll is delicious but the patty melt was a little salty... and a patty melt is a Michelle favorite.
(5)
Comensal A.
We enjoyed Perennial Virant on our first visit, an early weeknight. The staff members were all congenial and helpful, the setting is warm (if not cozy), and the food was enjoyable. The chef is known for his interest in pickling and fermentation, and this was evident throughout the menu. The tang was skillfully incorporated into the dishes we had (not the case in a recent visit to A10, where the sharpness overwhelmed other notes in the food). A mixed greens salad was remarkably fresh, and featured a nice balance between pickled tomato vinaigrette and fresh cheese. Similarly, braised veal shank combined pickled ramp relish with creamy polenta and parmesan to good effect (though the veal was a bit stringy/chewy). The star of our show was barley pappardelle with venison sausage, mushroom conserve, and delightful chestnuts -- hearty, yet nuanced, and pasta-perfect. We finished with a chocolate tiramisu (pretty, though tiny) and cappuccino (drab). The prices are appropriate to the food & service, though it's not a cheap date place by any means. Portions were ample (save the dessert, which was small for $10). The global wine list is well-chosen, though slightly pricey, generally proceeding up from the mid-$40s. There are many intriguing choices on the menu, especially among the small plates -- I'll look forward to coming back to explore further...
(4)
Jenn H.
Went for Sunday brunch on 6/14 and the service was tremendously slow. We had a party of 9 seated at 1:00 just as the morning rush was dying down. It took our server an hour to take our order and within that hour we only had 1 drink order taken. Food was average. Overpriced and slow service, just another allegedly cool place to brunch. Won't be back.
(2)
Eli H.
We just came here for breakfast since we were staying at the hotel upstairs, but would definitely come back just to eat. Great ingredients, super fresh and creative twists on staples. My one complaint was that I never got a coffee refill but that seems like an anomaly. Overall great!
(4)
Lily S.
Soon after my first review of the brunch at Perennial Virant, management contacted me, apologized profusely and sent gift cards inviting me to come back. Always nice to see management paying attention. This weekend, one friend and I went back for dinner. This experience was much better, food was delicious. Wine was good, service was friendly and attentive. Water glasses were always filled. We started with the crispy canaroli rice cake which was very good, hot and fresh. I had the scallop entree and my friend had the beef tenderloin. We both enjoyed them, cooked perfectly. The hollandaise on the beef was really good. We had the sunchoke fries too, they were good, not great. Finished off with dessert - tiramisu, chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream, all good. Everything had lots of flavor, which was exactly what was missing from the bland brunch we had before. Really appreciative of the invitation to return, definitely impressed with dinner. Maybe time to revamp the brunch menu, add a little more flavor. An egg dish with the hollandaise that was served with the steak would be much better than anything we had before.
(4)
Berat U.
My first time in the restaurant. Had brunch, PV Omelet. Omelet was good, creatively complemented with pesto and pickled veggies but the potatoes served with cheese curds were overly fried, soaked with oil. Disappointment. Most brunch dishes are served with these home fries potatoes so definitely needs attention. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive, and offered us a complimentary desert. Atmosphere is good but please stop playing oldies..
(4)
Adam Y.
Extremely delicious dinner. Another farm to table concept. A must try for a classy dinner out with the lady or gentleman of your choice. Again, like the family did in Rustic House, we ordered as many of the recommended entreas as possible, we had one missing, so we ended up sharing 7 different meals, but we ordered two Beef Stroganoff. The Walleye Pike (my personal favorite), Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Beef Stroganoff (the tables overwhelming favorite, I think it was 6 to 1), Pealmeal Bacon, and finally the Cassoulet, (which was a close second). The atmosphere is laid back yet classy and rustic chic, I guess that's "in" now too, I've now seen it in Chicago, NY and Miami Beach. Overall, the meal was so good, if anything was amiss I didn't notice.
(4)
Donna M.
Dined here last night with a group of about 25. Everything was excellent...the atmosphere, the wait staff, appetizers all the way through to the dessert. We had a five course meal and the courses were wonderful...especially liked the rice cake and also the scallops.Setting up the group event was effortless as well...working with Taylor. Kate our main server was fabulous and Paul the chef/partner came out to chat and was charming. Highly recommend this restaurant. We went upstairs to the rooftop to the J. Parker after dinner and it was fun. Can't wait to go back when the weather is warmer for the outdoor area.
(5)
Marci R.
Meh? Food was decent (I just had the farmer's breakfast - eggs, sausage and home fries with cheese curds) but the service was extremely slow. Nothing was really bad but just not sure it is worth the money.
(3)
Elise K.
A unique characteristic of this restaurant is that everything is local - the furthest ingredient when we visited was from Minnesota. I made a reservation for 6 to celebrate restaurant week with friends. Our party ended up being 4 in the end, but Perennial Virant was very accommodating when I called in advance to let them know. They also called to confirm my reservation in advance two days and then again the day before (when I missed their call). The four of us were a tad bit early (7:58), but we were seated exactly at 8 PM when our reservation was. We started with some drinks - I had a nice Sauvignon Blanc. The table shared the crispy herb parisienne gnocchi, river valley mushrooms, sarvecchio parmesan with the first course. The gnocchi melted in my mouth - very good, but not exactly heavy like most gnocchi. My personal first course was a winter squash (butternut) soup with heavy cream - delicious. My 2nd course was pan-roasted whitefish, ted's creamy polenta, house cured olives, preserved tomatoes, werp farm greens. The polenta was amazing and the fish good. We also split the rice dish that was recommended. We were told that it was prepared like a risotto but tossed with cheese curd - instead it was more like a breaded patty. It was served with greens and tangy green beans. I liked the green beans part. My final (3rd course) was rye flour crepes, brown butter ice cream, apple compote. It was very good and tasted like an apple pie. The ice cream tasted like creamy water though. Overall the food was good, the service was good as well. I'd love to go try brunch there!
(4)
Kim K.
I am staying at the hotel. I had dinner upon checking in, which was not great, the Trout was dirty tasting, fried with the skin on one side. Sunchoke butter was bland. Nothing exciting about the menu...the decor and service was good, not great. I did not feel great the next day, so I ordered room service hoping for something better, I ordered the pasta and marinara sauce. The spices were so strong in the marinara I could not taste the wheat noodle. The Sunchoke Fries were dark blobs that were dry and over fried. Don't order these thinking they are fries, they are not. The bar was nice, the bread was amazing, a good choice for a first drink and then off you should go...otherwise you will pay too much for a very under whelming dinner. It should be 2.5 Stars, but I rounded up.
(3)
Lyndsey G.
We went for brunch. The doughnut and the french toast were delicious, but the service was slow and it was difficult to get the waiter's attention. Also, the omelet was cool and cooked in a way that gave the eggs a strange texture. The outdoor seating was nice, but I've had better brunch.
(2)
Greg V.
This place was recommended to me from a local CHI-towner. I really enjoyed the food and drinks. My girlfriend had the chicken dish and I had the sausage. Wow. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. You couldn't even tell that my girlfriend's dish was chicken because it was so flavorful. Our drinks were excellent too. This place definitely made my trip to Chicago that much better. I will definitely recommend this place to people in the future.
(5)
Veronica S.
For the price, I think they fall short on flavor. I ate here for small dinner plates and brunch. I had the Parisian gnocci at dinner and the omelette at brunch. Both had good flavor elements but it was like they were trying too hard to be creative and landed on some strange cominations, and I am a more adventurous diner. I also ordered a bloody Mary with brunch and couldn't drink it. It is a homemade mix that tasted like in was heavy on some sort of pickled vegetable juice (brussels or asparagus) and horseradish. The one homerun was the strawberry rhubarb jam- delightful. Besides the food, it has excellent ambience especially at night. The staff were mostly unpretentious and knowledgeable with the exception of two very snooty brunch hour hosts. I watched them point a large group of people to their table rather than seat them. Hopefully, this review can serve as feedback for improvement, as I think this could be a top notch dining experience.
(3)
William B.
I'm briefly suspending my rule against reviewing reviewing places that I go for work-related purposes because this one was just so good. I got my hopes up when I read through a cocktail list that had drinks that I was actually excited to order. (I ordered a "Wise Fool," an improbably combination of two whiskies, two sherries, and fernet branca, whose sheer improbability demanded that I order it.) It lived up to the billing. Appetizers were better than entrees, but all of them had intriguing vegetable elements. The pickled garlic accompanying my "gnocchi" was probably my favorite of the lot, followed shortly by the fried kale. I'd go into detail about the rest of the menu, but there's no point, since it changes sufficiently often. Suffice it to say that if you said you wanted to eat someplace in Chicago that specialized in cocktails and pickled vegetables, your friends should send you here.
(5)
Roxie G.
Went here for brunch on St. Patrick's day. Had reservations and we were sat down right away. We started with the strawberry mimosas and the housemade doughnut and the citrus Danish. All were phenomenal. For my entree I decided to not go with the usual eggs benedict and ventured out a bit. Ordered the patty melt and it was to die for. It was made with caramelized onions and it was very juicy and delicious. Would go back to this place in a heartbeat
(4)
Ben Y.
I enjoyed a fantastic Birthday Brunch! You can come here looking classy or from the gym(Though you probably only want to do this if you are eating outside). If the weather is nice the patio is the place to be; it's right across from Lincoln Park. I had the Chicken Fried Pork Loin with cherry tomatoes, corn, string beans over mashed potatoes. Super tasty and a generous portion. The biscuits and gravy were also a nice side item. I also enjoyed a jalapeno Tequila bloody Mary. It was by far the best I have had in the city and the garnishes were actually high quality meat and cheese unlike other places. I will definitely return here again. Also, we order Sticky Buns as an appetizer and my friend mentioned that is my birthday. The waiter brought the buns to the table with a candle in it and "Happy Birthday" written in Chocolate. It was super nice plus he gave us the appetizer for free!
(5)
Linda P.
We had my grandson's communion party on May 3rd at this venue and it was the biggest rip off. The event planner charged for everything and was rude and uncompromising. She told us we had to be charged $3.00 per person to cut the cake even though we brought our own cake and cut it ourselves. It was terribly expensive and the food was horrible and the service was just as bad. They were totally disorganized and understaffed. We were supposed to get potatoes and they never came, the french toast was so hard you couldn't even cut into it and everything else was cold. I think that this restaurant should give some kind of credit for ruining our party. We will never go back.
(1)
Rachel W.
100% blown away by Perennial Virant...I've dined at Vie, his michelin starred restaurant in Western Springs and it was great, but this is more of a concept that I am a fan of. The food was in season, local, and unique and delicious. Also, I am a huge fan of anything pickled, and Paul specializes in pickling, per our server. We had several appetizers, standouts were the gnocchi & fried Brunkow cheese curds/pickled squash/chickpeas. Entrees we shared the barramundi, pork confit, and market sides of carrots and greens. I don't eat meat, but the table devoured the pork; and I stole all the chickpea fritters off their plate. The roasted corn was caramelized and flavorful, as were the greens. Finally, we shared fried chevre w/honey & preserves, a scoop of peach ice cream which I swear tasted EXACTLY like a crazy ripe peach, and some blackberry tart which was phenomenal. Great service, they turned on the heater after overhearing I was cold, and it was a lovely setting. Highly highly recommend.
(5)
Jaime G.
Cool little place to hang out for dinner in Lincoln Park. Great inventive menu, craft beer selection, wide variety of wine, and cool ambiance. Shout out to the tender beef stroganoff and rabbit bacon gnocchi. Yummy. Pair the both of them with an amber beer and we're in business. Not exactly kid friendly but they accommodated as best they could. Still, feel like the prices are high for what you get and outside of the two plates mentioned above, the rest of the food was bland and a little cold when it came out. Come to hang out for a drink but be selective about what you eat.
(3)
Heather M.
WOW. This is by far the best brunch that I've had in Chicago. Cocktails were spot-on (what the eff is brunch without a good strong cocktail??) and the food was outrageous. I don't know if this is street legal, but somehow we were able to get a half order of the biscuits and gravy, and it was unreal. I think it's chicken or turkey sausage, so it *feels* a lot healthier than the averaged b&g. There was also a hint of vinegar or something in the gravy which cut through the fattiness. So perfect. Three egg omelet was simple, fresh and delicious. The fish with tomato sauce and eggs was out of this world. Topped off with a side of cheesy grits, we were in heaven. I would love to return for dinner to see what else they can do.
(5)
Emma K.
Came here for brunch with my mom this past Sunday. We thought we had made reservations for Sunday at 10:30 am, but after some blank looks from the hostess and checking our confirmation email, we realized we had made our reservations for Monday instead. Oops! No problem though, we were seated immediately at a nice table by the window. The menu was small, but the waiter did a great job explaining that everything was based on what is currently in season. He came back over to answer any questions we had after he saw my mom googling some words we didn't recognize on the menu. My mom's breakfast was the winner - french toast with cranberry compote and candied walnuts. The raspberry mimosas were also delicious! I hadan omlette with pesto, cheese, prosciutto, and roasted root veggies. It was good, but did not blow me away. It was a perfect portion size so I did not waddle out of the restaurant as is the normal side effect of brunch.
(4)
Ryan H.
Fabulous BLT sandwich. I always order two! Great place, decor and location near the lake. Highly recommend. To be honest I haven't tried anything else there, because I just love their BLT so much.
(4)
Anne C.
Server was incredibly attentive and accomodating. He asked about allergies at the table and made great substitutions to suit our needs. Love the farm to table concept. We ordered midwestern cheeses which was great- honeycomb was nice addition. Apple salad was good as well- interesting with the salami addition! Also a pasta but it's not on the menu anymore. It was good, not great, and probably won't return. I've been to better "it" restaurants in Chicago.
(3)
Chelle L.
Our Valentine's day at perennial was seriously amazing. Every course both my husband and I would say "OMG this is the best thing I've ever tasted", and then another course would come out and we'd so "no, this is the best thing I've ever tasted". Ambiance, service, and food were all amazing. We will definitely be hitting this restaurant up again.
(5)
Rowena M.
Now that I've been here, I can cross it off my list but not sure I would rush back anytime soon. The food was good and unpretentious but of the many things we ordered, there wasn't a dish that I would call memorable, For starters, we actually ordered something from the "for sharing" section and that was the goat cheese served with some amazing brown bread, jam, and honey. I could eat this as a meal by itself. I was so excited about the oxtail and I didn't even mind that the meat was taken off the bone but th way it was prepared took all the goodness out of it and left it dry and overcooked. The chicken parm had a good twist of being served with kale. For dessert, we ordered 4 different things--- cookies, peach tiramisu, and some other type of tart - and again, nothing really spectacular. All in all, a good experience but I'm ready to move on to what's next on my list...
(3)
Derek P.
Local, fresh ingredients. Good meal, good brunch drinks. Paleo friendly and sticky bun lover friendly. Patio situation looked legit but it was too foggy... A manager took care of our drinks for waiting and service was great overall. I'll be coming back in the summer once I hit my other brunch spots on the list.
(4)
Jackie M.
Went for brunch awhile back to sit outside on the sidewalk and watch the Air and Water show. The place, as you can image, is a frou-frou, elegant affair. My only issue is the portions are teeny weeny - less than half the size of any brunch entree in the city. I hate the feeling of balancing hunger and having to slow down to prevent myself from devouring the entire plate in 10sec. The presentation is very simple, yet execution is still pleasant and in the end, I came out satisfied with the course. Definitely more on the scale of celebratory, romantic rendezvous or a place to entertain and impress.
(3)
Robert W.
Excellent. Scallops were very good. As was the sunchoke appetizer. Service was also friendly, timely, and knowledgeable. And not too loud to bring a date or group.
We dined here a few months ago, and it is a shame we haven't been back again. Soon. Everything about our experience was wonderful. We sat at the bar while waiting for our reservation and the bartender was helpful, entertaining and made one hell of a drink. Our waitress was outstanding, and steered us to some great dishes (gnocchi, goat, tomato salad, etc.). Everything we ate was delicious, though I never thought I'd be so excited about eating goat. It is a must try. We had a chance to visit with the Chef and he was so nice and welcoming. It was good to hear about his commitment to using local and sustainable produce. PV also pickles all of their fresh produce and uses it in the off season so you can get things there when they aren't in season. Neat! We will definitely be going back soon!
(5)
Andrew W.
I'm laughing as I write this review. I lived in Chicago for 3 years and probably walked past Perennial Virant about 100 times without ever contemplating eating there. Needless to say, I stayed in Hotel Lincoln this past weekend and it was some ungodly temperature outside, so walking downstairs for dinner without getting all bundled up was the obvious choice. I digress. Anyway, as I read the reviews for Perennial Virant before ultimately deciding to eat there, there appeared to be two categories of reviewers: 1. Those who think Perennial Virant is the worst restaurant ever because it takes about 7 hours to get your food. 2. Those who think Perennial Virant deserves a Michelin star. I cannot attest to the views of those in the first category. I arrived around 10pm, was seated promptly, ate a 3-course meal, and paid by 11:20pm. To those of you who think Perennial Virant deserves a Michelin star, I have one question. Are you on crack? Alright, the appetizers were fine. Some kind of fried rice and cheese with arugula. And sunchoke fries with garlic aioli sauce, delicious. Now for the entrees. I sincerely hope the actual chefs at this restaurant didn't prepare these dishes. The trout tasted like "dirty sea water" according to my girlfriend, and I can't say I completely disagree with her. I traded her my scallop entree, but only because she looked miserable, and I had already tried the scallops. They tasted like absolutely nothing with very strong peppercorns (or some similar spice) on top. Honestly no clue what the vision was for either of these dishes. The ingredients did not go well together. The dishes did not taste good. Then we got the frozen key lime pie dessert and it was absolutely divine and one of the only reasons I'm going with 3 stars for this review. How did I forget about alcohol? The drinks I had were good. We came for breakfast the next morning. It was still cold and we didn't want to venture outside. Needless to say, breakfast was a huge improvement from dinner. Actually really good. Still, sadly not enough to redeem them for their sins of the night before. If you go for breakfast definitely get the sticky bun. Oh, if you stay at Hotel Lincoln you can order Perennial Virant room service. I'm not even gonna pretend we didn't order sunchoke fries and frozen key lime pie for room service later that day. And it came with their really great grain bread and cold, hard butter.
(3)
Veronica S.
Ambience-pleasant cocktail selection-unappealing and very sweet apps-great selection, get the hush puppies entrees- meh. Very heavy handed. I had the spring fettuccine and it was unbelievably salty. My man had the white fish and it was fine, but not exceptional, everything had the same flavor. desserts- Were good and had the options of small portions, which was goof after being full, but still wanting a little something sweet. I excepted more for my money
(2)
Fallon P.
I was working on hosting an event here for a customer meeting, and the staff was incredibly helpful in orchestrating this. We came in to test drive a lot of the food, and when the food was a bit delayed coming out, they gave us some complimentary wine. Then, the night of the event, we were seated right away, food was on the table (as we'd requested), and our server (Brian) was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Food highlights were the fried pickles on the Jar Snacks plate, the gnocchi, fried smelts, and the sturgeon. All the desserts were top notch - I wouldn't be able to pick a favorite! Would definitely come back for another business event, or a personal dinner.
(5)
Jamie S.
This was a (hate to say it) a tiny bit of a let down. My colleagues and I were very excited about the food here, and loved the idea behind the restaurant. But the overall delivery was just kind of...meh. First, the good. The restaurant is really pretty. Its dark but has a casual, romantic quality. Feels very Chicago to me. Chairs are comfortable if you are going to hang out for a while at your table. The server was very cool and knowledgeable. She seemed relaxed and took good care of us. Also, we had reservations to see a show that night, and they were accommodating of the fact that we only had about 1.5 hour to dine. The scallops were fantastic, as were the hushpuppies. 2 people at my table ordered the handmade veggie fettuccine dish for their mains, and they said it was really awesome. Now, the meh. The drinks. Meh. I am a cocktail buff, and this had a lot of unique spirits, but it was a bit hard to order without asking on every cocktail, hey, what's this. I ended up with something that for all its unique liquors, ended up tasting like a martini. Just a plain martini. My friend got a daiquiri, and she didn't drink much of it. I didn't ask why. I got the sturgeon, and it was a little bit fishier than I like (fishy in the bad way, if that makes sense?) and was in a very sweet glaze that tasted like pancake syrup. It was just okay. The jar snacks were not portioned for a table of 4 because there were 3 cheese curds and 2 deviled eggs. They should price that per persona and size accordingly. The jardiniere, which I was drooling over for a week in anticipation, ended up tasting like root vegetables in vinegar. Not really flavorful, just super tart. The atmosphere, as I mentioned was really nice. My only complaint is that perhaps due to sharing the space with a hotel, it had a distinct hotel smell. Kind of like a hotel that now doesn't allow smoking but used to, and hasn't renovated. It wasn't smoky, just kind of musty. Like old library books, maybe. Not sure. I would go back, but I would order a beer, the charcuterie plate, and then a bunch of apps to share.
(2)
Marie C.
In my opinion extremely overrated. Let's start at the top my reservations were at 245. I'm a very punctual person. At 240 I call them and ask if they have a valet hostess says yes. Great! Circle the building three times and don't see it. So I spent twenty minutes looking for parking. I walk in at 3 and the hostess says she can't seat is the kitchen closed. This was odd since my reservations were for 245. She then proceeds to say if k got there on time I would have been able to order. I responded with if you had a valet like you said you did I would have been on time. She continues to say we do have a valet I made her walk outside and show me where and surprise surprise no valet! The the waiter over hears us and says he could take our order quick so we rush through the menu to order something. Drinks are weak I ordered four and felt nothing. Food is farm to table and we went in October to everything had pickled something on it. Yuck. Only reason it got two stars is cause this homemade doughnut was great!
(2)
Eleanor K.
Here for brunch this morning. My boyfriend made reservations weeks in advance to take me out for my 30th bday. They sat us crammed in between two tables that just started a meal so we all basically had to eat with strangers. You could tell the couple on either side of us were just as surprised as we were that we were shoved in there, basically displacing three tables. So much for a special day out. I was so disappointed. There were open tables everywhere, but the two tops are just cattle. food was fine, nothing special. my omelet with "root vegetables" turned out to have a few shaved vegetables on top of it. wow, thanks for the eggs and thin slices of decorative vegetables. all in all, I just couldn't get past what a crappy table they put us at when we'd reserved so far in advance for this special ocassion. I had to listen to kids cry in the shared booth behind me and the guy at the next table on his date chat about real estate. it sucked. service was fine. two stars for the beautiful space.
(2)
Carol K.
We came. We saw. We ate. But we weren't blown away. And at the end of the night- we weren't convinced we would come back. Hmmm . . . . I love Chef Virant's place out in Western Springs. So here I thought the food would be just a amazing and it was just okay. We started with the cheese and chacuterie plate. The cheeses were good but the meats? Eh- not so much. I would have preferred no "head cheese" and more sliced meats. The best thing we had all night? The veal meatballs. Delicious . . . .I should have ordered two of them as the appetizer portion allowed us to each have just a taste. For my entree, I went with the steak (perfectly prepared) and my friend had the duck (also good) And the wine list was quite nice with plenty of glasses to choose from. And for dessert- the assorted cookie plate was a nice touch along with some ice cream. But nothing really stood out and made us say "we have to come back" as I can get a decent steak many places. But the real miss of the evening was in our service team. I say team because while our server was nice enough, she was missing most of the evening and she wasn't the person who took our order so I was never really sure who to flag over to get more water or even some salt for the table when we needed it. And a good server can really make the evening. It was also an odd crowd on the night we were there. The table next to us had small children at it who spent the night banging on the table with their flatware. Funny, their parents didn't seem to think that there was anything wrong with this in a nice restaurant. And behind us- a large group of "very happy" wine drinkers (they had been on a tasting tour for the past several hours so think LOUD!) were enjoying themselves immensely. We had a table over by the windows (nice) but it was impossible not to be distracted by all that was going on in the place. So I'll end where I began. It was okay. . .but not so differentiating to warrant another visit anytime soon. Next time I go- it will be to enjoy a cocktail or two out front, overlooking the park. Now those looked like the best seats "in" the house!
(3)
Sarah I.
Took my husband here for his birthday. Good, solid food, and excellent service. The pickles and charcuterie lived up to reputation. On a cold night, both main dishes had a hearty, stick-to-the-ribs quality. Would go back again in the summer to check out the patio.
(4)
Rina Y.
I thought this place was too pricey for dinner so I never went in. But my parents were coming into town and they wanted to wander through the Old Town neighborhood so I thought, perfect, I will have them take me here! Surprisingly, brunch is much more affordable! I made reservations the night before for Saturday brunch at 12:30 pm. Good thing - the place was packed with people waiting all over when we arrived! We were seated about 5 min after we arrived inside (unfortunately, we didn't snag a patio seat). The 3 of us decided to split 3 dishes. French toast - we originally weren't going to get this since it's french toast; I mean, c'mon, I can make that at home. But the waitress recommended it and we were glad we got it. Thick and delicious with some blueberries and pecans and the most delicious lemon curd I have ever had. The waitress brought out syrup but we never needed to put any on because the lemon was the perfect balance of sweet but not too sweet. Would get again. Fried Green Tomatoes - perfectly crispy. 3 slices, some sauce drizzled on (it was good sauce) and a handful of arugula on top - although, I'm glad we were sharing dishes because my mouth would have been bored if all I ate was that plate. It's good but make it a dish to share - a couple of bites and you're good. Corned beef hash - the star of the show! Just get it. Not greasy at all so you don't feel gross even after consuming it with 2 runny eggs on top. Paired with pickled wax beans (I guess pickling is Chef Virant's specialty). Amazing. It's a beautiful space but, at least at brunch, the environment is surprising not stuffy. I just wore a t-shirt, jeans and flip flops and didn't feel out of place and I would equally wear a nice summer dress here too. I will definitely be back for brunch.
(4)
Jennifer R.
The food is excellent. The service was great. Jason the manager recommended an incredible wine. We had a wonderful time. If you haven't tried this restaurant you are missing out.
(5)
Jamie B.
Came here for dinner Saturday night to celebrate my birthday. I had the sturgeon for dinner with the beet salad to start. My husband had the tenderloin for dinner with the standard lettuce salad to begin. The drinks were a little sweet to begin. I'd really like to come here and try their brunch. Overall I was happy with my experience and will return.
(4)
Derric R.
Was a very elegant meal. Service was the best . Kate very knowledgeable of all food served along with wine pairing. We even got a surprise at desert with a white port. Highly recommend this stop.
(5)
Larry B.
My dinner was really, really good. I have had Paul Virant's cookbook, "The Preservation Kitchen," for a year or so, but had not been to the restaurant. I ate at the bar because I was there by myself. The bartender was engaging, and I ended up having much in common with the people sitting beside me. More importantly, the preserved peach salad was delicious, and the chickpea entree was "spot on." I will definitely return; I felt that I got good value for the money I spent.
(5)
Hayley H.
it sure is gorgeous in there. Beautiful decor, fancy from the get-go. Valet and coat check. Though it'd be nice to be greeted with a "Welcome to Perennial Virant" than "DO YOU HAVE A RESERvaTION!???!" Maybe a pompus. To start we had the Pork Ribs and the Gnudi. You can skip the pork ribs. Not very good. Too much bone, not enough meat. Chewy. It's not very elegant when you have to saw at your slab of bones. The Gnudi was good, the flavors of the duck, cherries and ricotta gnudi was delish. I wish I had more of that home made bread they had to soak up the jus. We then had the Port Cutlet and the Chicken Roulade. The Pork was awesome. A crunchy breaded crust encasing the meat, making it tender, juicy. So flavorful! The button mushrooms stole the show for me. I'd take an entire plate of those. The Chicken was equally satisfying. The bacon wrapped around, the green beans wihin. It was an interesting way to taste a chicken's breast. Very good. The chocolate dessert is a useless, dry, mess. It's not hot. Just a mediocre cupcake with a bit of ice cream on the side. Disappointing beginning and end, but the middle was great. Throughout, the wait staff was great. No complaints there. They wear jeans though. lolz I felt a bit overdressed.
(3)
Rachael N.
I was in Chicago this past weekend for a bachelorette party, and we started the night off with dinner at Perennial Virant. It's a pretty nice restaurant, on the corner of Old Town. We were running late, and we tried to get our reservation pushed back, but they were insistent that they could not push it back late. However, when we got there and through our dinner, it was not that full...so I'm not quite sure what that was all about. Anyways, perennial virant has a nice feel to it, with lots of open air and long tables. I ordered the whitefish- it was a good fish, not overcooked, and the skin was a little crispy. It had this interesting tomato-y, something, sauce on the plate with it as well. Overall, a good fish, but I thought it was a tad too salty. My friend got the pork loin milanese and that was REALLY good and it was quite large as well. I liked how unique the items were on the menu. Quality was alright- but it has a nice ambiance and the noise level is on the quieter side, so I could hear everyone on my lengthy table...nice to have a quiet get-together with friends/family here.....
(4)
Pam N.
We've been to PV several times at different times of the year. Each time we go the service, food & atmosphere are fabulous! We are never disappointed by our experience at PV. Food is fresh, seasonal and cleverly put together. Pork Belly appetizer last night with Gnocchi for main course followed by Oatmeal Cookies Sundae with Rum Ice Cream & Rum Flavored Caramel Sauce. Can it get any better? Only at PV! Last night we had a party of 11 and PV did a phenomenal job of keeping everything organized, our glasses full of wine, water or soda, and moving the evening along fantastically. Our server was wonderful. Great place for ANY occasion. Bon Appetite!
(5)
Kathleen C.
My last restaurant week visit for this year...and I ended on a high note. Perennial Virant wasn't serving their regular menu - only the restaurant week menu. However, they did offer some "extras" on the back of the menu for those of you who don't want to give up some of their delish menu options. On to service...you have to love a host staff who compliment their patrons upon arrival. I walked in from the rain, soaking wet with my hair flying all over the place and I made a comment about how I looked ridiculous. The three guys at the desk responded with "nope, you look great" - ha ha - total lie, but at least service seems high on their list. We were quickly seated at a great table near the windows - right on time for our reservation. Our server was super friendly, didn't rush us and was helpful, but not overbearing. Everyone who worked there was so very nice. All in all, service was a 5. The atmosphere is nice - it's somewhat dark, but with nice candlelight accents. The room is warm and my dad thought the tables may have been walnut. It was pretty - a good spot for an evening out with friends, date, dinner with dad, whatever. Atmosphere is a 5 for me. The food was really good. I think there was more than enough food for restaurant week or any entree size (I'm not sure if these were slightly smaller or not, but they were perfect for me!). I had the whitefish which was really delicious. My dad had the pork (also delicious). We both started with the winter soup - I literally asked the server if I could lick the bowl (and I may have if I weren't so well behaved...). The dessert...a take on Boston creme pie...yum yum yum! The crepes were also great. One complaint for the food...bring a bread basket, not one little piece. I had to ask for more - which they happily provided...but I don't think it would have been offered. Food is a 5. Bathrooms were beautiful - however, they are hard to find due to construction currrently. I can't wait for the new hotel/restaurant to open up! 5 for bathrooms. As to value - I think that typically, this spot is really expensive. I will say that the food is high quality. I like that they didn't skimp on restaurant week as some other restaurants do. Normal prices are pretty high, so I'll go 4 for value.
(5)
Courtenay G.
Pumpkin eclairs and apple pie french toast that are to die for. Good coffee, too. Their biggest sell-point however is not their food, but their sweet servers who are as inviting and warm as their biscuits and gravy. Music overhead is a throwback to the Best of 70's Rock, and makes you feel like you're at your favorite pub with friends, while still portraying an up-scale atmosphere of chic and simplicity. I would definitely come back here, and I would definitely recommend to friends. A+ for service!
Tried this spot on a Friday night with the hubby and another couple and we were not disappointed...great food and drink and a cool atmosphere. I had a delicious gin cocktail to start, but for the life of me I can't remember the name. Not too sweet and egg whites on the top for a creamy effect. Our server recommended it and I was pleased. I started with a parsnip custard that was out of this world. It had the consistency of flan but it was savory -- terrific. IT was served with cippolini onions and mortadella and was wonderful. Beautiful presentation as well. I think it was the highlight of my dinner. The hubby had the carnaroli rice with fried cheese curds that was also excellent. Our friends had the pierogis (good) and the gnocchi (outstanding). The menu changes frequently, but we were told that Perennial Virant is known for gnocchi. For dinner, I had the rainbow trout and hubby and the vegetable skillet. The trout was delicious and the creamy grits, sweet corn chow chow, baby greens, and spicy butter complimented the dish nicely. Hubby liked the vegetable skillet but thought it was a little spicy -- he said that all you could really taste was the heat, which took away the delicate flavor of the vegetables. Our friends had the same two dishes and agreed with our take on them. For dessert, hubby and I both had the mint chocolate sundae. Delicious and not particularly sweet. The flavor of the ice cream was quite strong and it overpowered the chocolate a little bit, but I am a huge fan of mint, so that was fine with me. Service was good although our server did seem distracted throughout the evening. At one point, my friend ordered dessert and he was staring off into space and didn't even hear her. That was a tad annoying, but everyone else who worked there was terrific. Water glasses were continually filled and plates were cleared in a timely manner (but not until everyone finished). This spot is definitely worth a visit -- it is pricey, but the food and the atmosphere are good. Before you leave, make sure you check out the wall of bad art in the Hotel Lincoln stairway....that was an amusing way to end our meal (I think it was probably made more amusing by our cocktails but....)
(4)
Kara B.
The most recent meal I had at Perennial Virant (December 2012) was probably one of the top 3 meals of my life. I am still dreaming about the snails and the scallops. Everything was truly wonderful from the cocktails, to our servers to the decor of the restaurant itself. We did have to wait slightly for a table but it was a Friday night and we had no reservation, so I can hardly fault the restaurant. But, those snails! They were so tender and succulent it was like eating a bite of rainbow. They tasted as fresh as spring but as hearty and warming as you would hope on a cold Chicago night. And the delicacy of those scallops! They were that elusive perfectly seared scallop that that has a little crust but is tender, moist and rich with flavor when you bite into it. Paul Virant is a genius and I'll be back again. And again. And again.
(5)
Jeremy K.
Party of 3 on a Saturday night. We had an incredible waitress with short curly red hair. She was definitely one of the best waitresses I've ever had before! She knew every question we asked, had great eye contact, and spread lots of positive vibes. The menu was simple and eloquent. I enjoyed the Salmon entree and loved the Rice Cake starter. Thanks and keep it up!
(5)
S G.
Went here for a party of 8 w the tasting menu. They accomodated vegetarian and pescatarian requests with ease. The wine parings were great! Started with warm bread, followed by gnudi and salad. the next course was cheese curds and sausages. the fourth course was beef tenderloin, white fish, and a vegetarian cake w seasonal veggies. Fifth course was a cheese platter with honey and jam dessert was key lime pie, chocolate ice cake, carrot cake, and sorbet I ate like a pig and left satisfied and happy:) would recommend this place for a nice night out w friends or a date, even a special event.
(5)
Alex H.
After jealously walking by the happy brunch-goers all summer and fall on my way to the Green City Market, I finally made it in for a Birthday Brunch earlier this winter. First off, the decor is breathtaking both inside and out, featuring a cozy-yet-chic farmhouse kitchen motif with comfy seats and wood accents inside with a beautiful patio space outside. The menu is best described as an upscale take on brunch, and as always with Paul Virant, expect fresh & local ingredients to dominate. Started with the beignets...delicate and delicious. I had the 3 egg omelet, which while delicious was tiny. Same with the Laughing Bird Shrimp: excellent, but a very small portion. My mimosa was pretty basic, but my wife had the bloody mary and claimed it was one of the best she'd had in recent memory. My only complaint is portion size, as alluded to above. The prices are a steal given the quality of food you'll get at PV, but I felt fair warning was in order from our waittress; I'd have happily ordered a third plate and shared. All in all, a really nice upscale addition to the Old Town food scene. The service wasn't perfect but the food, drinks, and vibe easily made up for that. Can't wait to go back for dinner.
(4)
Jami S.
Adorable! Really such a cute restaurant, great vibe, great ambiance. My friend and I really loved everything about the inside of PV & can't wait to return to sit outside on the patio overlooking LP. Food was really great. We went for Chef's week and were a bit disappointed when we could only order off of that menu which left us with not a lot of choice. But I'm glad b/c it forced me to try different items. The chicken & gnocci were delicious. So were the desserts. Only reason PV didn't get 5 stars was b/c our waitress was lousy. She was nice enough but it didn't seem like she wanted to be there. No energy whatsoever. Another waiter even came over to help us out when she didn't return for awhile & he couldn't have been nicer. So she def isn't the norm for service which is a good thing. We will def be back in the summer to sit outside.
(4)
Amy G.
After visiting Vie, we were in the mood for more Virant-style indulgences. I don't think I'd venture out to Lincoln Park for a better reason. We strolled in around 8:00 with no reservation but were immediately seated at a long communal high top. Our waiter was very friendly even as we could see things were very busy, and we just showed up, expecting to be wined and dined. I had two glasses of Pinot Noir- a French selection from the menu and one from Oregon when they ran out-- honestly, not because of my gluttony. The wine was PERFECT with the Midwestern cheese plate which had three cheeses, four crostini, Virant's noteworthy preserves, a drizzle of honey, and to-die-for honey crusted walnuts. I don't even like walnuts. I realize cheese plates are probably huge profits for restaurants, but in this case, I really loved the hand-selection, simple combination of flavors, and even the modest (just right) portion. We followed the cheese plate with the turkey gnocchi garnished with shaved squash and Parmesan in light (truffle? olive?) oil. Just enough decadent food to share with another without feeling like I ate at Longman & Eagle. :) We ended with tiny flour-less chocolate cakes, about the size of a table spoon with fresh cream and peanut sauce. Damage came out to just under $100 for two people with at least 5 drinks total. To leave us further delighted, we were given a $15 gift card to come back for brunch. Yes, please!
(4)
Suzanne R.
I had a great experience here last weekend, not only because the place is very beautiful and the food good, but mainly because of our amazing server, Jessie. She gave great wine recommendations, taking the care to give us each a sample of two to make sure we had what we liked (we both chose what she originally recommended anyway). She described the food really well and also gave great recommendations on what to order, how much, and dessert. Get the pork beignets,,, omg. Jessie knows food, and is so nice and warm that she really make the experience- my friend happened to be going there for brunch the next day and I was like- get Jessie! She's the best!
(5)
K S.
Love this place. Adore their use of local ingredients. And I dont drink and they make amazing mocktails!
(4)
Mith R.
Solid and fresh offerings, excellent dining experience, and innovative cocktails as well. We'll be back :)
(4)
Adam M.
I just went here last night with my girlfriend for Restaurant Week and we both really enjoyed our meals. I will start off by pointing out the one bad thing about the restaurant; and that is the Restaurant Week menu there did not match what was posted online so we were not able to get the Crispy herb parisienne gnocchi or wood-grilled local pork belly like we originally planned. Now for the good stuff..... Both the soup and the salad were both very good options for starters. For my main course I ordered the pan-roasted whitefish, ted's creamy polenta, house cured olives, preserved tomatoes, werp farm greens. This fish was perfectly cooked and had great flavor with No fishy taste :-) We each got a different dessert so could split them and try both.. My girlfriend got the chocolate custard cake, espresso cream, lemon confit and I ordered the apple crepes. We weren't really big fans of the Chocolate custard cake, but the crepes were very good. Overall, Perennial was a very nice place, with very good food.
(4)
Jason H.
THE STORY OF THE BEET SALAD My mom was famous for saying, "you cannot leave the dinner table until you finish your vegetables." So the dinner table has played the role of bed on many occassions -- to say I was stubborn would be a gross understatement. But as years passed, my stubborness dissolved, my pallate became more elastic and my acceptance for vegetables stronger. I began to grow bolder and BOLDER by the year, and by the time I visited Perennial Virant in Fall 2012 -- I was f*cking SUPER BOLD with my vegetable choices. I proudly ordered the beet salad with grapes and viniagrette sauce, as my date ordered the housemade fettucine. When the waitress served both of our dishes, the hairs on the nape of my neck rose when I saw what lay before me. I knew it was a beet salad -- but I didn't think I was getting a pure pile of beets. All I heard was a familiar voice, "you cannot leave the dinner table until you finish your vegetables." I subconsciously prepared myself for bed until my date snapped me out of it. All I saw was a river of beets coated in a clear fluid that of course took on the beets color, peppered with sliced green grapes. But guess what? I paid for it -- so it was no way I wasn't going to try to force myself to eat it. The minute the first beet hit my tongue, bile formed on the corners of my mouth and I was overwhelmed with culinary disappointment. But the waitress was kind and took it off our bill -- even without my asking. The restaurant was nice, the crowd was -- well the crowd was suitable for Lincoln Park -- but the dinner menu was limited and the BEET SALAD was for lack of a better word/statement -- the most disgusting f*ckin dish I have ever ordered and tried in my entire life. Go to socialize and drink wine with Lincoln Parkers but stay away from the BEET SALAD AT ALL COST!!!
(2)
Ramya P.
Amazing place for Brunch! After being a Lincoln Parker for four years now, I finally made it here. Perennial Virant has been a cocktail stop for me for a long time but have never got to try the food here. The brunch menu is small and features seasonal specials. We got the 2-egg skillet with spinach, cheese and fall veggies, the 3-egg omelet stuffed with pesto, cheese and veggies with a side of fries and cheese curds. Both were stellar dishes and the side was delicious too. Great service and upscale ambiance made our experience perfect. Now, can't wait to try dinner here soon.
(5)
Mahsa T.
Perennial's transformation to Perennial Virant is complete and I thought it was time to come back for a visit. We enjoyed a lovely brunch here on their patio. Bloody Marys to start, can't go wrong with pickle and asparagus as garnish. Great big cup of coffee too (they serve Intelligentsia). You must get the sticky bun -- as the menu says, "Yeah, you want it!" Yes, you do. On to the food..."The Skillet" (2 farm eggs, yukon gold potatoes, broccoli, corn and cheddar) was delicious. I just wish the portion was a bit larger or that it was served with toast, maybe it was because I was famished. The "Meat & Three" (maple-bourbon breakfast sausage, green beans, potato homeboys and eggs) was also good. The sausage was fantastic but the green beans were a bit undercooked. Service was friendly and attentive from everyone--the host, our waitress and the food runner. Love the new interior decor, very modern and elegant. Will definitely have to come back for dinner.
(4)
Matea B.
I think this place is great. They get all their food locally, and thus the menu changes frequently. I have been there for brunch several times and once for dinner. I haven't been disappointed. I would definitely recommend the bacon for brunch. It's really thick cut and covered with an awesome glaze. It's not what you'd traditionally think of when you order bacon. For dinner, I would recommend the beat salad appetizer and the hush puppies appetizer, and I would recommend the trout or the meatballs as a main course. They also have some really interesting cocktails, and they are all strong.
(4)
Natalie P.
After passing this restaurant multiple times, I finally had brunch here this past weekend. We were seated in their outdoor patio area which provides for some fun people watching. Ordered one of their bloody mary's which was nothing amazing but still good. Had the PV omelet. Delicious. Another at our table had the house-made sausage which she highly enjoyed. Overall the service was decent and the food was good. No wait time and outdoor seating was also a plus.
(4)
Jessica N.
Perennial was one of my favorite restaurants in the city and I finally got a chance to frequent Perennial Virant since the re-opening. It had a lot to live up to and it had delicious food but misses some of the creativity of the old concept (hence the 4 stars vs 5 stars) but execution is top noch. Maybe it's because I'm nostalgic, but here were some dishes that were some of the best things I've ever eaten that I miss (truffle gnocchi and deconstructed raspberry cheesecake!). Here's what we DID Have though: Gnocchi - doesn't compare to the old gnocchi dish. The quality of the gnocchi was really good but the flavor of the dish could've been better Crisp Rice - it's fried cheese, so you can't go wrong :) Roasted Carrots - was more of a salad versus a meaty carrot dish. Good but unexpected. Brandade - One of the best fish dishes i've ever had. Crispy skin was perfectly executed and really well balanced dish overall Duck - Perfectly cooked - so good! Beef Loin - Again, absolutely perfectly cooked and very interesting pairing with the snails. Chocolate Bar - Good but not amazing. Old perennial had some kick ass desserts (cheesecake and hazelnut bar). This was good but, any mix of 4 chocolates would be good :) Overall, this is a solid restaurant. All the dishes were executed extremely well and I will definitely be back! And, living up to the old standards, the service is excellent!
(4)
Gary C.
What's that, you say? Quickfire Challenge at Perennial Virant? Oh wait. You're selecting me to be among an select number of judges? And you want me to stay at Perennial Virant for dinner? Oh my goodness! I don't know what to say... I guess I'll say yes. Twas a beautiful night in our fine city, and we spent it on the outdoor patio of PV. My party was hungry, even though we participated in the Quickfire Challenge, so we decided to try and get a table after the event. We were quoted an hour and a half...we didn't mind. Lucky for us, they were pretty quick to clean up and sat us in a fraction of the time. Our meal started a little crazy. We weren't sure what to drink and were thinking about getting a bottle of rose. Well, we said nothing to our server about it, but he somehow read our minds and was advertising the bottle we were ogling. It was a little scary because he was reading our minds. He had to have like ESPN or ESPN2 or something...To keep it short, we got it, and it went perfect with the meal and evening. Plates are either small, medium, or large. Small dishes are similar to small appetizers. Medium dishes are a little bigger and are appropriate for a not-too-hungry person. Large dishes are decent size, but are not a full entree. As informed by our server, Chef Virant likes to keep ingredients local, so the menu changes as the seasons progress. Being summer, we ordered the roasted sweet corn, seared diver scallops, yukon gold potato gnocchi, gunthorp farm duck breast, and grilled dietzler farm beef loin. Highlights? Everything was pretty good. I honestly have no complaints. Everything tasted so fresh and went well with our bottle. We did order a dessert, but it hurts me to say that I don't remember what it was. Sorry! The night went on and service remained exceptional. They were very friendly and attentive. But a fair warning: while you eat, your wallet will lose weight. But don't let that scare you. Just keep eating.
(4)
Mike K.
We have only been here for brunch, but it has been a great experience every time. Every time we have been there with our daughter who is not yet 1, the staff is extremely friendly and goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I was hesitant at first, thinking it would be a bit on the pricey side, but at least for brunch, that is not the case. Food is good, drinks are good, service is good. Can get a bit crowded so may want to make a reservation ahead of time.
(5)
Lindsay P.
I've been to Perennial Virant twice, both times for dinner, and everything single bite of food I've had there has been delicious. The sides are especially good--the friend kale and the Brussels sprouts are out of this world. I also love the atmosphere--quiet (but still lively), elegant but simple, and supremely comfortable. The service is friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The only bad thing is that after 2 fantastic meals here, I don't feel like trying any new restaurants for a while.
(5)
Helena G.
The restaurant is really nice, it has comfortable seats and a good vibe. We had 3 egg omolete and laughing bird shrimp. We also had some punch. We enjoyed everything, the food was very tasty. And the staff is very nice.
(4)
Andrea H.
Based on brunch alone, already a big fan. My friend and I decided to get together for an impromptu brunch on July 3. Since it was such a beautiful day, we wanted to sit outside. Hmmm, I thought, who has a great patio in the neighborhood? Well, Perennial Virant of course. But then I realized that it was brunch on a beautiful holiday weekend and that we would probably have no chance in hell of sitting on that great patio. So off I went, 45 minutes ahead of our reservation so that I could put in our name and wait for a coveted space to open up. Much to my surprise, there was a table available when I arrived. I offered to sit but the super nice host told me that, if I didn't mind waiting a few minutes, he'd have an even better table to offer me. Since my friend hadn't arrived yet, I was game for that. Sure enough, some choice tables opened up and I got to take my pick. When does that ever happen? I really like the brunch menu. It doesn't have too many choices but seemed to have all the heavy hitters. That was excellent for me since I can never make a decision. Turns out that they could have had just one thing on that menu and I would have been a happy girl. I saw "The Signature" and it was all over. Chicken fried steak? OH YEAH! So I settled in with my tasty rhubarb honey mimosa and enjoyed the day. When the chicken fried steak arrived (we both ordered it), I commented that this was definitely not your Denny's chicken fried steak. The sirloin steak was fried but not at all greasy. You could actually taste the flavor of the meat. There was just the right amount of mushroom gravy so that you could have some with each bite but it didn't smother the steak and the cheesy grits were a delicious accompaniment as well. Overall, everything was so fresh and I left feeling happy instead of stuffed. All of the staff was very friendly and accommodating. I can't wait to come back for dinner. It's great to have this place back in the neighborhood!
(4)
Lauren M.
This review is solely for the service, which is the worst service I think I have ever had a restaurant. We had reservations, were seated 20 minutes after we entered. They were out of everything. And when I say everything, i mean EVERYTHING. We were starving at that point, so we decided to stay and tried the only things they had left on the menu. And then we waited. and waited. We waited 45 minutes for our food. Coming as a bartender/server, I understand these things happen. The kitchen gets backed up, you forget to put in an order. That being said, the waitress was incredibly rude. We inquired about our food and she rudely told us that we had to wait, there were larger parties in front of us. So because there was only three of us, we would have to suffer and wait until all the larger parties got their food? She never offered an apology and when we finally got our food, it was cold. They gave us a side of "complimentary" bacon, however being a vegetarian, it didn't do much for our table. I was in shock. I will never go back here, ever again and will advise everyone else not to do so. Hands down the worst service I have ever received. Shame on you Perennial, for showing your customers how worthless our business is.
(1)
Ray D.
Awesome menu! A liquor menu that would bring a wine and craft beer snob to their knees! The appetizers are great, fresh ingredients while supporting local farmers and beer crafters. Awesome dessert. Go for breakfast or dinner! The portions are not huge but the quality is there.
(4)
Paul B.
This is a remarkable restaurant. But then, you'd expect it to be with Paul Virant at the helm. The best part is that he's a presence in the restaurant, visiting tables, working the room, AND riding herd over his devoted kitchen staff. Sometimes that's like juggling chainsaws, but he's able to pull it off with grace. The number for Perennial Virant has earned an entry in my Phone Contacts list that I keep on my person like a Jehovah's Witness keeps his bible tucked under his arm. (or so I'd guess!) I've been a fan of his since he opened 'Vie' in my home village of Western Springs. I had fought the village board for years to issue liquor licenses and when they finally relented, it was Paul whose group transformed a building verging on either brick-and-glass modern to latter day Eastern Euro gulag. Everyone loved it--and now they have a second reason to love that minimalist look at Perennial, too. He let's the food and bev be the stars, as they should be. As a guy who has lived for a long time on 'circuses,' I don't care for them much in restaurants. Using the simple backdrop of Lincoln Park--esp in the spring through fall--works just great. The cocktails are playful, tasty, fun, not overpriced. I had something that reminded me of my wintertime Manhattan, but with an undertone of orange, and I loved it. Wines are plentiful and not overpriced. I've read some of the other reviews here and it makes me wonder if people go places only to find reasons to whine. I would suggest that (and in full disclosure, my business is that of a critic, but not in the food field) when some people think they're critics, they feel compelled to critique in the negative as a predisposition. Why they can't just kick back and enjoy the gestalt of the evening or meal is beyond me. I don't go places with a furrowed brow looking for things to call out the owner or chef on. Jeeeesus, just relax already, willya? It's food and bev, not Woodward and Bernstein. The food was delightful. The wait staff was attentive, fun, professional. The bill wasn't goofy. It's also not cheap, but you know that before you walk in the door so don't gig someone for something you requested. Yes, I'd go back. I'm sure I will. Nicely played, PV staff. pb
(5)
Coleen K.
It's about time I wrote a review for one of my favorite brunch establishments of all time-- Perennial Virant! I love this place. I've been on many occasions-- for an engagement brunch, a birthday brunch, and just a casual brunch! All my experiences here have been nothing short of spectacular. For starters, the interior is just what I want at a classy brunch place-- bright, sunny, modern but still intimate, just a touch of rustic, with fresh flowers on the table. Service is always on point. Servers are always extremely knowledgeable and professional. They have great, decisive recommendations and check-in just the right amount of times. I love that their menu consistently changes with the seasons. Every time I go, the menu has changed and I love that! I've gotten everything from classic eggs, to breakfast meats, to cinnamon buns and fish at this place. All is equally amazing. They do a great job of making brunch feel as it should-- like a cheerful and special occasion.
(5)
Stephanie L.
Made the trek up to Perennial Virant finally with Kris R. I like the new style of the place...although I cant really remember what Perennial looked like. We got right in at our reservation time. Our server was very informative on who everything worked, etc. I do have to say, I am not sure I like the attire of the servers...its like a red dress shirt with jeans...a little weird considering its a nicer restaurant. Plus, there was an eclectice crowd of servers, tatoos, piercings, band aids on the head...interesting. On to the food... Small Plates Carnaroli Rice-what a different little thing. It was like a fried rice outside, cheese on the inside and greens. It was delicious! Bar snacks-amazing deviled eggs!! Not to mention fire-y corn nuts...delicious! The soft pretzel with the cheese sauce was fantastic with a little kick. Medium Plates Gnocchi-AH-MAZ-ING! The only thing was I wished there was more gnocchi! The sausage and brussel sprouts were fantastic compliments Ravioli-Meh, it was my least favorite. The spaghetti squash was crunchy and cold...I wasnt a fan at all. Didnt have much flavor at all. Large Plates Walleye-very nice pan fried dish. It had grapes or something around it and it was a little sweet. It was cooked to perfection and everything really meshed well Steak-DELICIOUS! It was so smooth it was like butter. Not to mention a HUGE portion! Dessert Cookie plate Fantastic selection of cookies, there was snickerdoodles, pumpkin whoopie pie, brownie, etc....all were fantastic. I just wanted a side car of milk! Overall, it was a great dining experience. they have a large selection of wines. I didnt dabble in the cocktail department. Also, we had a $200 GC so it was perfect.
(4)
Phill C.
i saw that they had just reopened, so decided to give the place a try. There's plenty of street parking off of Wells and they're located right at the corner. I liked the woodsy green interior and the large windows all around. Plus the seats were really comfy. The menu is pretty simple, with a $37 seasonal prix fixe menu on the left and plates to share on the right. They also have a nice beer/wine menu and Three Floyd's Pride & Joy was some tasty beer. The Crispy Carnaroli Rice was really good and I loved the combo of the crispy rice, cheese curds, and vinaigrette. The pork shoulder confit was super tender and juicy. The crispy whitefish was super fresh and tasty. Well all of the ingredients were really fresh. The pound cake & toasted milk ice cream dessert was also really good. Service was excellent and very attentive. We sat by the wall where the servers were all standing, so it was a bit awkward but not a big deal. With a new chef, menu, and interior, I had a really good meal.
(4)
Shamik T.
I hadn't been to the old Perennial, but ate at this new variation recently. Loved it, though I think I may have ordered too much. I went on a Wednesday night, around 8 or so, and it was nearly empty, which is fine with me. I whole-heartedly recommend.
(4)
Salina V.
I loved the presentation of the food here. I don't remember what I ate because I didn't order. I believe we pretty much ordered everything on the menu for a tasting. All I know is I didn't eat the oxtail. It was nice to go to a restaurant where there wasn't so much meat on the menu. The only thing I didn't like was the lemon crepe. It smelled a tad fishy. I had wine and I like how you get a big glass of it. =) I'm also a booth seating kinda girl so I liked how I had the option of sitting on a bench like seat. It was cushioned and comfortable of course. The staff was really nice too, especially our waiter. After dinner I sat by the bar and the bartenders are also nice. The bartender even told us that we could go on the rooftop to check out the view. I didn't tough because I was a little cranky due to reasons I will not mention from before dinner but I would of on any other day. It was nice that she told us that! I also can tell how clean the restaurant was because they were doing a really good job cleaning the bar. (It was closing time when we were sitting at the car).
(4)
Brian F.
Hard not to like a Paul Virant run restaurant. He's one of the most active and best celebrity chefs in Chicago. Vie in Western Springs is probably my top-favorite restaurant in Chicago. Perennial-Virant misses out a bit on what Vie offers, though. I thought the food was superb but serving sizes were miniscule for the price-point. I love the outside sidewalk terrace during the summer. Great place to see and be seen.
(4)
Marisa A.
Yum! I think I'm a fan, but I'll have to go back for a proper meal to be sure. I've peeped Perennial Virant from the outside of its corner location on Wells and Lincoln countless times, and finally had drinks and a bite to eat there last night. By the way, there's free street parking along Lincoln if you can find a spot. It's a lot less stuffy than I had imagined-- low ceilings, rustic decor, and a casual waitstaff lend to a relaxed atmosphere. The host graciously offered to take my coat and I was led to a table. It was 8:15 on a Tuesday night (no reservation), and the place was comfortably full without being at capacity. To drink, I ordered the Port of Spain Swizzle. It was a solid girly choice for a cocktail without being too sweet, and it was plenty strong. My friend had the Wise Fool and enjoyed it. We wanted something to nibble on so we went with the cheese and charcuterie plates. Both offered more food than I was expecting... in a good way. Every cheese was complex, the preserves were creative and the meats were super flavorful. Above all, it was fresh.The highlights were the bleu cheese with honey and the salami. Unfortunately, I missed most of the waiter's descriptions so I'm not 100% sure what I was putting into my mouth. But I definitely enjoyed it. If you're generally bored by cheese and meat plates, then Perennial Virant's offerings may be up your alley.
(4)
Jessica G.
I once told Paul Virant that he could cook me socks and I would eat them. No, I hadn't been drinking. I just really enjoy the food that the man puts out - Vie has been at the top of my list for the past 5+ years and I was a little worried and scared that Perennial Virant wouldn't match my expectations. Last night was my first visit to Perennial Virant. I will go back. We had a very last minute reservation for 8:45 for 6 and two of our group dropped out so we went early as 4. The host was kind enough to advise that since we were now a smaller group, it would be easier to seat us earlier. Yay for that. 'Til that time, we passed several pleasant moments at the bar - the bartender did a very nice job of recommending beverages, and particularly beer for the husbandly one, so that is a good thing. We then got seated nearly an hour early, which was pretty fantastic. It was at a communal table but it would seem our dining companions didn't mind us so we didn't mind them. I sometimes feel a little weird about the communal tables in some places but this did not seem intrusive at all, perhaps because we were not jammed into a table with more chairs than space. Our servers, as it would seem we were tag-teamed last night, were on the ball with pretty much everything, and we did get what I thought was a great wine recommendation based on all the various foods we ordered for the table. They were quick on the refills and there any time we needed anything. And all the plates came out in a very timely fashion - one of the members of our party who works in the industry actually remarked that it was shocking that the first items we ordered came out less than 10 minutes after we ordered them - on a busy Friday night and nothing was greasy/ microwaved/ out of a tub in the freezer. We tried a couple of each of the various small, medium and large plates - not gonna lie: the crispy carnaroli rice and the whitefish beignets are things that I would like to eat every day. Beyond delicious. I had the pappardelle as my main meal and it's a pretty basic dish but it was exactly the way I like it so I was more than happy with it. Also tried bites of the fluke and sturgeon dishes and they were just lovely. I didn't have any issues with oversalting as some people have indicated - my palate is not particularly salty and I usually do notice an excess of salt. Last, we had a few of the desserts, my favorite being the cranberry crisp - the chevre fritters are pretty fantastic, too. I do like the interior, though it's a bit loud - just not as loud as in other places, which is nice. It's a warm place and quite comfortable. I would say the bathroom felt like it was in a slightly odd place but that may have been my issue, thanks to the beverages we were enjoying. Overall, I was very very pleased with my experience at Perennial Virant. It definitely met my expectations and it is somewhere I will gladly go again. Call me a Paul Virant fangirl and I will accept the moniker gladly. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere - all I could ask for!
(5)
Tom P.
The service was absolutely stellar. The food presentation was also top notch. But, the food tasted like it came from nookie's (across the street, not good). It was at best a high-end looking version of chili's. But i'd much prefer the chili's food to what I got here. My date and I ordered 2 apps and 2 entrees. None of them were special. The beet salad was ok, maybe. Same with the nochi. The bread was mediocre. The highlight was the salted butter. Both entrees sucked. Bleh. Not going back. Prices are ludicrous given food quality. I'm not opposed to paying $100+ per plate. But his isn't close to $20 per plate. Maybe the brunch is good? I'm very upset with the food quality. Like rubber chicken.
(2)
kara m.
Perennial Virant was exceptional on Friday night.. The ambiance of the restaurant is lovely and relaxing. It has a formal appearance but the wait staff is all coordinated with plaid-type button downs, jeans, and some tattoos which makes it a bit more casual. (love this!) Also, the music in the restaurant was just right. A mix of punk, rock, with a few beastie boys tracks. (love again!). Chris was our server. He was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. We ordered the unique Goose Island brew for this place...the PVK. Carrots and Feta were ok...lovely presentation but not something I am dying to get again. Gnocchi was just amazing. Still wanting another bite of this! The Beef Loin was also stellar. I don't know if I have had beef that delicious before. Also, the bread...we had a slice at the start and then a toasted piece came with the beef. The bread is made in house and just scrumptious! We ended the meal with Baked Chocolate Mousse with peppermint ice cream. It was like a girl scout cookie thin mint freshness. (see photo in this listing). Can't wait to return!
(5)
Kent T.
Easily one of the best dining experiences my girlfriend and I have ever had. The food was unique and absolutely delicious. Every single dish we tried was a hit and the service was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable about all the dishes we asked about and even gave us a tour of some of the pickled jars they had on display after our dinner. All of the staff was very friendly and the ambience was very romantic when we went. I would definitely recommend coming here for anyone who is looking for some great local food and a nice romantic dinner.
(5)
Erin S.
Hubby tried to talk me out of coming here but I insisted. Damn, he was right again. We're very into organic, good whole food (think: Publican and Avec). This missed the mark completely, considering they pride themselves on being "farm to table". Everything was so slathered in burnt olive oil, that it didn't matter what we ate, it would've been gross. I left starving. I gave it two stars because the interior is quite pretty. Will not return.
(2)
Ryan W.
What a great experience. The waiter was very polite and knowledgeable of the menu (which was good because we had questions!) The beet salad was amazing, the chicken meal for dinner was incredible, the dessert we had was great. Interesting menu, they try to use organic, local ingredients and they did a great job.
(4)
Jeff R.
Stayed at the hotel and was taken here for dinner as well. Very tasty local greens salad. Nicely done sturgeon. Beer list not extensive for Chicago, but ok. Had a Perennial Aria on draft. Apparently there was a goat loin dish (which is why I was taken here) but were a few days too late for it.
(4)
Caroline G.
Disclaimer: This restaurant is not in Los Angeles...but it should be Perennial Virant is located in Chicago and is owned by Chef Paul Virant who believes in making all ingredients. Hence the slogan-can what you can't; which refers to the act of canning. The meal began with delicious fresh bread and homemade butter: the kind with the salt crystals on top. As a cocktail I had one of my new obsessions--gin and egg cream--called the Contrarian. It must be a new addition to the menu because as of now it's not on their website. I had Carnaroli Rice as an appetizer and it's like a crispy risotto. A special Paul Virant touch was pickled summer beans, which are surprisingly good with cheese curds. My main course was a pork shoulder confit which was like a fried pancake of pork. That might be a gross image to some, but one bite of this baby and you will have a meat eating conversion. Desert was a chess pie, but I also got my hands on some freshly baked cookies. Pastry Chef Elissa Narow has created quite the down home ending to a delicious meal that really has a Midwest feel to it. This lovely 3 course menu was created and discounted for Second City Audiences and it was great way to experience the philosophy behind the meal. Here's hoping Virant's next restaurant will be on Melrose! You'd fit right in! @eatdrinkla
(5)
L G.
I really need to write reviews immediately after I leave a place...my memory fails me. But I do remember- this place is top notch. We sat outside despite incredible heat. But when passing through inside- I absolutely loved the ambiance of this place. So cool, simple, and chic. The big tables, I just envisioned having a large group dinner there and feeling so at home. For the food/drink- Had amazing refreshing cocktails. A bottle of wine. And some high end bourbon. And then, the delish food. We had the asparagus salad/app with an egg- yum. Very light and lemony and refreshing. And then- the best thing I've ever ate. It's not on their menu online- but it had black beans, chorizo, and cheese and was like a saute of all those things. I could have eaten three of them. Alone or on the bread, it was the best thing I've ever ate thus far. For the main course, I can't recall what my date had, but I had the salmon with a tomato jam and some other odd component that just all worked together and exploded in my mouth. So good. And I never order salmon out because I always feel like when I do, I can prepare it just as well. Not this time. I also don't remember dessert- but it was good! Can't wait to come back- loved it!
(5)
Andrea L.
One of the best plates of food I've ever had. We've eaten here several times and the service is always top notch. Huge thank you to Paul and his crew for always providing such great food and service.
(4)
Chad B.
After my, ahem, unfavorable account of our brunch experience at Perennial, the restaurant group convinced me to give them another chance (read: free dinner). To make a long story short, we had a great experience. Service was excellent and the food was delicious. They met our expectations (the expectations we had coming into our first experience, that is) in every way. Every restaurant makes mistakes, but when they happen, Perennial takes them seriously. When all is said and done, I would gladly recommend Perennial. In fact, I already have.
(4)
F D.
Went to Perennial for brunch this morning, I was so excited since I'd heard so much about it. I had the brown butter waffles, house made smoked honey bourbon sausage, eggs and the home fries with cheese curds. The waffles were good, not a full hearty Belgian waffle, but rather very light and crispy - I prefer a fluffy Belgian waffle. The home fries with cheese curds are not worth it, my potatoes were cooked hard, so much so that I couldn't eat some of them, and the cheese curds were these huge pieces of semi-warm cheese just sitting on the plate and didn't mesh well with the potatoes. I must say that the famous house-made bourbon sausage was an acquired taste. I don't drink bourbon and the strong bourbon after-taste was a little bitter, so the sausage didn't work for me, but if you enjoy bourbon, I think you'll love them. The ambiance is very nice, very trendy and upscale. The service was amazing, very attentive, but I think it's a bit over-priced for the food. Overall, a great dining experience.
(3)
Lilea E.
Excellent food. Creative menu. Great service! Had a really enjoyable dinner here and highly recommend it!
(5)
Katie R.
Went to this place last night for NYE and it was decent. We had a 10:30pm reservation and we were seated at 11pm. Once we were seated we saw that the menu was prie fixe - our group was told this was told that we could order ala carte. When the waitress was asked if there was anything that could be done, she said that "nothing could be done". The first course came - and my husbands soup was forgotten. The waitress didn't come back to check in until most of the group was done. He eventually got his cold soup. When midnight rolled around, we were told there would be a complimentary pour of champagne, and they actually missed the countdown and we got our champagne well after midnight. I'm not complaining about the free booze, but timing was a bit off. Overall, service was poor but the food gets three stars. I'll go again on a non-holiday to give this place another try.
(3)
Miss A.
This review is based on a brunch experience. I REALLY wanted to like this place, and was super excited to have the opportunity to go. I love the farm-to-table concept, and the menu and space look great. The location is great, the decor is great, and I appreciate that they accept brunch reservations (one of my pet peeves is waiting around on the sidewalk for a brunch table). Also, the service was lovely :) The coffee was, surprisingly, bad! You have a coffee shop a foot away in the same building! Ugh! I ordered an iced coffee and there were 3 melted ice cubes and it was otherwise warm. Clearly from a pot of hot coffee. I expect that from a crappy diner, but not a place like this. I had the skillet eggs, and they were not amazing. I prefer Nookies. The other people I was with had the BLT and the home-made sausage, each of which were better than mine.
(3)
Amanda F.
My Birthday Brunch is one of the most important meals in my year. Perennial Virant was perfect! I loved everything from the scones, to the Blueberry Champagne Concoction, and the complimentary birthday coffee cake (nice touch Perennial). Last year, my Birthday Brunch was at Sprout. It was a bizarrely food-snobbish, expensive waste of eggs. Perennial was completely the opposite. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The prices were also very reasonably for a gourmet a la carte brunch. The scone plate offered a nice tasty variety of mini scones, muffins, and cakes. The mini chocolate chip muffins were a little too buttery and bland, but I loved everything else. The cinnamon bun was also delicious. I had the three-egg omelet with pesto, goat cheese, and prosciutto. I'm actually not an omelet lover, but I figured PV would be up to the challenge, and I was right. The omelette was fluffly and not overwhelmed by any of the various flavors. My friends had egg dishes as well, and loved them. The Birthday Coffee cake was moist and yummy. The waiter also brought out more than enough for the table to share. How nice! The scene is overall very refreshing and that "icing" on the (birthday coffee) cake. The dining room is lovely and open. Its sunny, not too crowded, and not too loud. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Lotus G.
Great wait staff! Awesome local food! Their bread is to die for---homemade!! The food is off the charts! The gingerbread sundae was great! We got the three course meal before we headed to second city show. Yummo!!!
(5)
Shay B.
We stopped in for a late night dessert and coffee. What a disappoinment for a restaurant that gets such good reviews. The sweet potato whoopie pie ($4) was laughable (I did laugh when I saw it) -- 2 small 'pies' about the size of a nickel (really!) with some sauce drizzled over the plate and a couple puddles of melted marshmellow. A two bite dessert not even big enough to taste the sweet potato filling. The ginger cake had a tasty ice cream and pear balls accompaning it, but the small rectangular chunk of cake was dense and tasteless ($10). And lastly, the fruit compote was not a compote at all, but a pudding similar to a chess pie with a puddle of something (fruit?) on the side (another $10). We are not big eaters, but the portions were pathetic even for us. For $10, I expected a rich and filling dessert. I would have been more satisfied with a Snickers bar. The food looks fancy, but is far overpriced. Don't think I will try anything else there, but go ahead only if you feel the need to follow the crowd that think its so cool to eat there.
(2)
Leslie S.
Great experience at Perennial Virant during opening week. I highly, highly recommend! The restaurant has a very casual feel to it. We arrived about an hour before our reservation so we could enjoy a cocktail before dinner, and it was certainly worth doing. I had the Name TBD, which was a fantastic mix of vodka, ginger beer and blueberries. A definite winner. The name, by the way, is not to be determined, but actually stands for Tasty Blueberry Drink, according to our waitress. Perennial Virant has a small bar area, but also has lounge seating (and outdoor seating as well). The food was wonderful. Really, I'm still talking about it two days later. It's easy to see how Paul Virant earned his Michelin star (for Vie in Western Springs). We took the waiters advice and ordered three plates each (there were three of us dining) so we could sample as much as possible. I won't run through the whole order: must-haves include the bar snacks (with spicy nuts and addictive fried kale), the lettuces (11 different lettuce varieties and goat cheese that practically melts in your mouth - yum!) and the chicken fricasse (salty, but utterly wonderful). We were a bit disappointed with our original desserts (nougat glace and panna cotta) so we ended up ordering the baked chocolate mousse as well. Thank goodness, because it was a home run. The peppermint ice cream was wonderful, and the mousse itself was just delicious. A great way to end a truly delightful meal. My only complaint was the noise level. It was so loud in the restaurant that we ended up shouting at each other throughout the meal. Even the waiter said "I feel like I'm yelling at you guys." Not exactly an intimate dining experience, but the amazing food certainly made up for the volume in the room.
(4)
Barbara L.
Had brunch here with 2 friends. We enjoyed their delicious homemade sausage, sticky buns, generous portions (go hungry) and fun atmosphere.
(4)
Jim L.
The food and service here never disappoints. Our server recommended the perch salad, which I have to admit, did not sound appetizing. Words could not do it justice. Light and flavorful. The softshell crab was excellent also. Our server was friendly, helpful and there when we needed her. We will go back, for sure.
(5)
Bob J.
The service was great. The home cooked nature of the food, locally grown, and the emphasis on no waste was a nice added touch. The food was delicious. Definitely would go back!
(5)
Jessie N.
Perennial is my favorite brunch spot in the city. It's a perfect place to go when the weather is nice since I really enjoy their outdoor seating. I've been here with different groups and it seems like every item on the menu that is ordered gets stellar reviews. I like that they change things on the menu with the seasons. Their mimosas are always delicious. I especially loved when they had a blackberry mimosa last summer. My go to on the menu is the three egg omelet with prosciutto and pesto. Also, make sure to try the sticky bun. Beware - it's very good and everyone at the table is sure to want a bite when they see the sticky, yummy goodness come to your spot. Get a couple to share since they're not very big. Can't wait for spring so I can enjoy the restaurant and a stroll through Lincoln Park after. Perfect Sunday afternoon in the city!
(5)
Corin C.
I was very disappointed in Perennial Virant and had higher hopes since I love Vie in Western Springs and respect Chef Paul Virant. I completely agree with Carol K's review. I lived in Old Town and love the area. Perennial has the perfect location and the dining area is very modern and clean looking. We sat outside and really was looking forward to dinner. I ordered the pan seared salmon. It was so dry and salty. Let me just say that my husband and I were starving and I would've eaten anything at that point. The salmon was served with a puree sauce and herbs on a bed of some type cold potato salad. The flavors and hot and cold of the salmon and potatoes did not blend nicely. Really? Were we at Perennial Virant or some wannabe imposter restaurant? My husband's dish was a pressed chicken with something. It's sad that it was just so forgetful. His chicken was also so dry and salty. Terrible. I would've enjoyed eating anything else but we were starving. Our waiter was attentive and kind. We didn't have the heart or time to point out the dismal quality of the meal and just chalked it up to not coming back for dinner. Their brunch menu looks fabulous and have many friends that love their brunch but dinner really left a bad taste in our mouths. I know we won't be back for dinner but don't know if we'll attempt the brunch after that experience.
(3)
Heidi S.
We went to this restaurant last night for my mother's birthday. After reading other's reviews, I anticipated a great eating experience. Alas, I was somewhat disappointed. I will say that the atomsphere was contemporary and pleasant . The seating was comfortable even for the amply preportioned. The service was very good. Our wait staff were quite wonderful and even provided a cookie plate for my mother's birthday. So, I gave you a star for that. What was extremely disappointing was the limited menu that consisted mostly of fish. There were four fish items, a lamb neck stroganoff, a duck breast, a veggie skillet and cassolet. Only 8 main course items on the menu and no specials. I am not a fan of fish. So I honestly looked at the menu and chose the cassolet as the meal that I had the least issues with. I will say that I consider myself somewhat of an adventrous foodie (aside from fish) so it wasn't like I wasn't willing to "try something new". Having said that, I was really not impressed with the cassolet either. I have had better. The chunk of blood sausage hurt your presentation and I didn't taste any of the pork confit. Really not a tasty version of a cassolet. My comment to this restaurant is think about the public. Alot of people don't like fish or have allergies to fish. Diversify your menu to include a red meat and a poultry that isn't a "dark" meat. Or if you are so stuck on fish, add a shell fish. From what I read from others, this menu must be ever changing. I suppose we came on the "fish" night. Sadly, I don't think we will be back.
(2)
Elizabeth N.
Sola (up in north center) is my all time favorite nice brunch place - for some reason I thought Perennial Virant would be similar (fresh, seasonal ingredients done in a unique way). We arrived with a reservation at 10 am...the place was just opening. After being seated we waited 10-15 minutes for coffee. While I don't drink coffee my mom was getting a bit upset and focused on the lack of service. We ordered the following: - Lemon Curd French Toast (AMAZING) - Egg White omelet with veggies, pesto and fresh cheese (not the best I have had - and very overpriced, considering there was maybe 2 egg whites used, and a pinch of shredded veggies but a healthy amount of pesto) - peameal bacon (which is Canadian bacon - it was lean but rubbery tasting) Overall a good brunch - not sure I'd rush to go back, especially when I live for Sola (which is cheaper and yummier!)
(3)
Cristina T.
I was surprised for my birthday with a dinner at Perennial Virant by my boyfriend. Having dined at Vie in the past, I was excited to try another of chef Virant's restaurants. Although we had a reservation, we ended up waiting 20 minutes for a table. When we were seated near the back of the restaurant I was able to sit on a comfy couch. It felt like home. To start we had the "bar snacks". I especially liked the homemade pretzel. The corn nuts were sweet and spicy and addictive. We continued onto the charcuterie plate. I was impressed with the pate. However, we both felt that there was not enough meat on the plate to sample. The housemade bread served here is outstanding. It is crusty and a little sweet-try not to get too filled up on it. For my entree I ordered the chicken, served with sausage and pierogis. I normally do not order chicken at restaurants, but I know how well known chef Virant is for his dumplings. Needless to say this dish did not disappoint. The chicken was moist and juicy while the pierogis were buttery and doughy. I was in heaven. Since it was my birthday, my dessert came out with a candle on top! We split the cheese pie, which was pretty small. However, the crust was flaky and buttery. The cheese filling wasn't too sweet and the pistachio sorbet on top was divine. I would order a bowl of the sorbet by itself. Overall the dishes came out quickly and service was friendly. I would love to come back here for brunch!
(4)
Tammy T.
The chicken fried pork loin was delicious! So was the strawberry-glazed donut. The lavender mimosa and the bloody mary with the elk-stick was fabulous too!
(4)
Alyssa C.
If i could give it 4.5, I would. I have been here for brunch a while back and came back for dinner with a large group. Our party size kept changing, but the staff was very accommodating at changing our reservation. I would suggest a bunch of appetizers, the main entrees were not nearly as impressive as the apps. Especially the baked brie cheese with jam over top... not to mention the bread that was served with it. Great wine and amazing cocktails, awesome atmosphere. The only reason it got 4 stars was because my salmon was pretty dry and not that delish.. but i'd come back and just order a bunch of apps and wine...
(4)
Janet W.
So glad I finally made it here for restaurant week. They changed their menu from the original $44 one posted online to a $33 three course menu. After hearing so much about the gnocchi, I had to try them so I ordered them on top of the three courses. - butternut squash soup: I had to fight the urge to not lick the plate - gnocchi: OMG it melted in my mouth... how can this be made from flour? - pork belly: tangy at just the right place - pear crepes: good, but the least impressive of what I tried The butternut squash soup is made with heavy cream and being lactose intolerant, my stomach did act up a bit. Still, I could down a bucket of that stuff. The servers were awesome (cute too), very knowledgeable about every item on the menu and made an excellent wine recommendation.
(5)
Nicole C.
I was here for the first time just after Paul Virant took over. I can't speak for dinner, but brunch is amazing. It's nice to finally have an upscale brunch option in the Old Town area. To start, I had the sticky bun with vanilla toffee and toasted pecans ($4) and a glass of Klug Farm apple cider ($4). Both perfect for a crisp fall day. This was followed by a smoked and grilled ham steak, poached farm eggs, creamy grits, greens, and mustard gravy ($12). It tasted as perfect and delicious as it sounds. The atmosphere is the icing on the cake. Contemporary. Classic. Comfortable. Beautiful. I look forward to eating on the outdoor patio this spring and summer. Welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)
Jeanne Z.
Excellent food and superb service! I was looking for a very nice restaurant to go to for my boyfriend's birthday. I stumbled upon Perennial's website. The place looked interesting, so I booked a reservation. We had a wonderful time! The decor is elegant, clean, and unique-looking. The chairs were very comfortable and everything was impeccably clean. The busboy and waiter were very nice and prompt. The portions were just right- not too small as is the case for most fancy restaurants, but not your typical huge platter potions either. The food was very rich and thus filled us up. Everything was delicious and wonderfully prepared. For dessert, the waiter brought out the dish with the words "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate syrup. Yum! So unexpected and such a nice touch. Perennial Virant is a place that really goes above and beyond- in terms of service by the staff, the food, the atmosphere, and overall making sure their patrons are having an enjoyable meal.
(5)
matthew S.
Meh. This 2 star rating is a reflection of the how Perennial compares to its price range and obvious aspirations. In short, it falls way short. I was hoping for subtle food and hand-crafted old-time cocktails. What I got was certainly edible, but over-cooked sea bass. Drinks were OK, but hardly up to the high standards that have become the norm in the rest of Chicago.
(2)
Sarah B.
My family was staying at the Hotel Lincoln so this was convenient to eat at. The food and service was beyond fantastic. We had the fried butternut squash beignets for an appetizer, diver scallops and the beef tenderloin for our entrees. We went back a day later. What great ambience and presentation
(5)
chris c.
Went there for Brunch. Now there were some Absolute smashes. The sticky bun was unbelievable, their housemade sausage was to die for, but there were some misses as well. While the pork tenderloin and brown butter waffle was a great flavor combo, the tenderloin had an odd mouth feel to it. Like it had been sitting too long before being reheated. We also sent back eggs for being overcooked (they sent out a over medium order as well done) and when they brought them back, which took too long, they were still overcooked. The service is also really spotty for a place with such high aspirations. Coffee cups being left unfilled, going from having everybody tend to you right when you sit down to having hardly anyone check in mid meal. There are some really good things happening here but this had the feel of a place still working out the kinks as opposed to a finely tuned well run restaurant.
(3)
Darian C.
Couldn't ask for a better location. Drinks at the J. Parker on the roof before dinner then dinner outside - such a quintessential Chicago experience. The food was amazing as well. Couldn't have asked for better service. What a great evening!
(4)
Maria B.
One of my all time favorites ever in the history of ever, ever. Been here several times and every single time, everything is spectacular. Came in on Saturday for sexy date night. Wanted to try some things "outside the box" ...something just crazy....so I ordered chicken;-) HA. I never order chicken and I'm so glad I did. It was perfect..juicy, lots of flavor, on a mound of cheesy grits...I DIED. Our server Jason was outstanding. We were torn between a couple of sides to get...opted for 1...and he ended up bringing both cause he said the one we didn't get was too good to pass up (on the house). My boyfriend and I went here 2 and a half years ago on our first date and were trying to remember the wine we had. We asked the server if there was any way for him to find out (a long shot...but didn't hurt to ask). We gave him the date we came in...no other details, and he came back 20 minutes later with a receipt print out of our check from that night. I know this isn't something that is relevant to future diners, but it meant so much to have someone go out of their way to find that. That's the beautiful thing about this restaurant...the food speaks for itself...always phenomenal...but I feel like they go out of their way to make their guests happy. Thank you Jason for making a special night even more wonderful. I hope you get kudos from this review!
(5)
Michael M.
Very rarely write poor reviews but perennial virant really disappointed. After reading that the restaurant was rated one of the top 10 new restaurants in chicago for 2012 I thought it was a sure bet. I have to say the service was great, the atmosphere beautiful, and price was to be expected. Perennial Virant suffered where it mattered most however, the food. This may be due to our selection off the menu so I will review each dish. Grilled Little Bloom on the prarie: The goat cheese standard, the jam great, but this dish which is served with fresh bread from local eateries tasted like a urinal cake. Once we used the jam and goat cheese with the provided table bread it was much better but still nothing outstanding. Crispy Carnaroli Rice: A very bland mix of rice and cheese, which ended up just tasting like a bland cheese. Was probably the most excited for this dish but was left searching for flavor. At least it didn't taste bad like the other two. Barramundi: The waiter explained to us how they only use local foods and raved about this particular fish as his FAVORITE dish. Well the waiter must have loved fish that's been lying around for a bit because this fish was terrible. Besides not tasting fresh there wasn't much other flavor to write about. At least when a bad restaurant tries to serve you bad fish they try to hide it by smothering it in some type of sauce. Hopefully my poor experience was due to my selection, but I think next time I'll go to one of the other fine restaurants chicago has to offer. (My favorite was MK so far!)
(2)
Benton K.
Came for dinner on a Monday night. For the money, I would expect far better service, food, and all-around experience. Our waiter, though friendly, knew virtually nothing about the menu and at one point dropped an open beer off of his tray onto our table. As for food, whatever whitefish I ended up with was under-seasoned and pretty unspectacular. My sister's filet mignon was decent, but nothing to write home about. It felt as if the entire staff were brand new. Perhaps, if we had had more knowledgeable service, we could have avoided those mediocre dishes and the accompanying regret of having wasted an expensive meal in Chicago.
(2)
Mike S.
I wish I would have reviewed Perennial Virant sooner, because the menu changes so often that I can't look through their current menu and remember everything that we enjoyed. I suppose that is a good thing, because they are always adjusting to serve whatever is best right NOW. I do remember that the salmon dish I had was the best piece of salmon I've ever had, anywhere. And the blueberry tart that we had for dessert was amazing. Absolutely perfect. The portions are a little small, and I do think it is a little pricey for the portion sizes and the atmosphere. It might feel different if the servers weren't so super casual. I did think it was a better value than Vie, and the food was simply better as well. We will definitely be back at some point to try new dishes as the seasons change.
(4)
Kristin M.
Our plans for dinner at another Old Town restaurant fizzled when it was closed for renovations, so I used the "What's Nearby" feature on my Yelp app and discovered PV has a dinner menu (it's been on my "to try" brunch list forever). I couldn't be happier! Dinner was excellent. We ordered a starter, two small plates and an entree between the two of us and it was more than enough food. The price point is "spendy", as Yelp calls it, our total including a glass of wine and a cocktail was $100 plus tip, but well worth it. Here's the scoop, rated from best to worst: -GET THE STURGEON - it's a perfectly cooked, meaty fillet served with seasonable roasted vegetables (parsnip, carrots, fennel, pureed potatoes) covered in a maple glaze and, the piece de resistance, crispy braised shortribs! OMG, the whole dish was fantastic! -a very close second was the Crispy Gnocchi - gnocchi is really a hit or miss for me, most times it's too dense. This was light and fluffy, just the way it's supposed to be. The mushroom, truffle butter, provolone, turnip accompaniments made the perfect winter dish. I highly recommend it! -Braised Cabbage Rolls were essentially homemade sausage wrapped in a cabbage leaf. They were good and well seasoned, but the sausage was packed very tightly and was a little too dense. The dried apricots added sweetness, but I didn't think it needed it. -Cherry Bomb Pepper Poppers - not at all what I expected, I really could have done without these. They were hot peppers stuffed with pickled halibut (that was fishier than any halibut I've ever had) and tempura-ed. I just can't recommend these. As far as cocktails I had the Beet's Knees (he said it was a spin on the classic gin cocktail Bee's Knees, using a little beet juice for color). I was worried it would be too sweet, but it was very good. My friend enjoyed her riesling. The space was very nice, I can see it as a great date place and, when the shades are all raised, a nice sunny spot for brunch. I really enjoyed my dinner. The best part is the bottom of my receipt has a 15% off coupon to come back for brunch. Score!
(4)
Jeff S.
For all of the great press that the Boka Group restaurants have gotten, I was mostly underwhelmed by PV. Maybe it was the selections we made. Maybe they had an off night (Sunday evening). Don't get me wrong; both the food and service were good, but the food in particular wasn't great, nor was it memorable. It's fairly easy to get reservations here, and if you're looking for a place to have a nicer dinner with family/friends/SO, then this isn't a bad choice, but there are better out there if you can get an Open Table.
(3)
Linda B.
I had a lovely brunch at PV this morning. I used to really like Perennial and was glad that the restaurant still serves delicious food. There was a bit of a twist to everything, from my cocktail "brunch punch" that had a somewhat spicy flavor, to the surprisingly filling skillet, to the cheesy grits. All were tasty and beautifully plated (that doesn't usually matter much to me but it adds a little something extra when the food tastes so good). The service was a little iffy which is why this isn't a 5-star review but I overall had a great experience.
(4)
Kristin S.
We had brunch with my stepdaughter and her boyfriend. It was a rainy day, so the coffee was nice and warm. I chose the house-smoked trout, crispy grits, pickled ramps, spicy tomato, sunnyside egg. The trout was extremely tasty. It was perfectly cooked and pretty much whole. Pan fried to perfection. The crispy grits on the other hand, well, I truly thought they were really, really stale croutons and pushed them aside. Then I remembered reading on the menu "crispy grits". Not good. I am a southerner and they were demeaning to the concept of grits. I went for the egg poached, because I don't do well with runny eggs. So, I was bit hungry still, as there was not much meat to the trout, and well folks, I do love a good satisfying meal. Sticky bun to the rescue. Well, I would come back and next time just order 2 sticky buns. These damn things were some of the best I have ever had. We also had some coffee cake, which was unremarkable. My daughter and her boyfriend had the sausage of the day, which was dry (strangely) and just so-so. I was a huge fan of Vie, as I live out in that neck of the woods, but it has declined in my opinion. I was hoping to find a sparkle of the old Vie here, and it was almost there. We were disappointed in the Bloody Marys here. At Vie the mixologist will rock your world. Bloodys there had home made jerky in them. Here at Perennial they were pretty pedestrian. But give PV a try. I still think he's got it!
(4)
Jessica O.
So so yummy. Rice with cheese melty gooiness, gnudi with duck, and those bar snacks!? Fried cheese curds, pickles, spicy corn nuts. Numz. I had the semolina cake which was super delicious with grilled ramps. Dessert was also fabulous. We had a chocolate cake with white coffee ice cream, I had an orange cake with semifreddo and thyme crumble, and also and a goat cheese pie. Dear lord. Their cocktail list is also amazing. The place is within the Hotel Lincoln. It's full of comfy low couches, has a medium noise level, and is pretty hoppin.' Parking was pretty difficult, but the valet is helpful in a pinch.
(4)
Jeff K.
Very good all around, but not cheap for what you get. If you go in and there's a chance to sit outside, it is worth waiting a few minutes, if possible. At brunch order the PV omelet or corned beef hash.
(4)
A P.
Great seasonal food. Nice environment -- good natural light, big windows. Yummy desserts!
(4)
Russell B.
Had a great dinner here with a group during restaurant week Love the focus on local produce and wish I would of gotten to experience more of their pickled product made on site. Service was outstanding, wish the beverage selection was a little larger. Each course of the restaurant week menu was great...bineata, gnocchi, and a chocolate moose. Will have to return when in the area during burch or lunch.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Trendy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Sara I.
Ummm.. Yes please! Very seasonal menu with very unique creations. Service was spot on. Between the host, runners, and our server, the professionalism mixed with genuine friendliness was extremely impressive. It was nice to see a waitstaff that really enjoys their job... Or appeared to anyway, haha. And the kitchen definitely knows what's up. The plating, presentation and flavors made every dish stand out in their own way. It was outstanding. The ambiance and decor inside also made the dining room beautiful. And another plus: we ordered 2 cocktails and 4-5 dishes and 2 desserts (yeah, we were hungry) and it was under $100. Highly recommended.
(5)J W.
Service was excellent, food was amazing, and ambience is incredible. Beautiful decor. We told them it was our anniversary in our Opentable reservation, so every person who waited on us wished us a happy anniversary, and we were presented with a special anniversary "treat"! Highly recommend! I had been wanting to try this place, but we never really make it into Lincoln Park anymore. Well, we stayed at the Hotel Lincoln for our anniversary, so this was an obvious stop for food. Well done!!!
(5)Ben S.
A-OK sounds just about right. We enjoyed the food, interesting, slightly innovative and tasty. Nothing blew my hair back but could not be described any worse than . . . good! I am not a fan of small/medium/large portions. There is some reason there but I just don't really care. Appetizer, soup/salad, entree . . . it has worked for years. Why are we spending our time on this? Spend time on the food. When people spend time on gimmicks, tells me they know they are not planning on being around for long. Decor is not my taste. Cold and modern that did not grow on me. Host/Waitress/Staff in general were cold and modern too, favoring a "I don't give a damn about you" attitude. Glad we tired it, do not care to go back but would if forced to. Sitting outside seems like it would be cool. Come to think of it, in consideration of the outside sitting and location, would be a good place to try in June.
(3)Denise B.
Came here for brunch on a weekend back in town, the result... delicious! Good, choice, Mom. Since I no longer live in Chicago, I never had a chance to try the previous incarnation of Perennial Virant, but I'm definitely a fan of the current status. Service was prompt and excellent and we had a great table by a heat lamp outdoors with a great view for people watching. The mimosas were a great addition to the fun, trendy ambiance well-suited to Lincoln Park. My omelette was beyond delicious, complemented by the toast they brought me. I had enough fun just from Perennial Virant's vibe that I'd probably have been ok with just average tasting food, but excellent food brought it up to sky high levels. There's no doubt I'd love to come back the next time I'm in Chi-town.
(5)Elizabeth S.
...and still nothing from the manager. My friend had to pay her deductible and go through her insurance after the valet got in an accident (the police determined he was at fault). Does management read these?????
(1)Jaime S.
Had a great date here. We split a bunch of sharing plates and asked our server to recommended a wine that paired well w/anything and he did. It was over a month ago so all I can remember is that the Gnudi was delicious and that it is a killer date spot.
(5)Elana L.
I really enjoyed PV. The wine and food were wonderful. What I really appreciated was the fact that the wines were not priced ridiculously. The french gnocchi was amazing. Little fluffy pillows of goodness. It was a great place for a date. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for great food with equally great wine. Plus the staff is knowledgeable and helpful. I will be back soon
(4)Lisa Z.
I did brunch here with a group for a baby shower. The servers and host went above and beyond the call and were very helpful to our party. In addition, the food was fabulous! Everyone enjoyed everything immensely, and the sticky bun . . . ooooh, the sticky bun. I can't wait to go back and try dinner, accompanied by an excessive amount of cocktails!
(4)Adrian J.
Having tried Vie in Western Springs, Virant's newest venture would be the only logical choice. I had not been to the old Perennial so this is just based on my experience with Virant's take on the matter. The restaurant is somewhat upscale casual. All the servers are wearing jeans and the prices reflect this. The prix fixe is $37 and most bottles of wine hover around $40-$50. The menu changes daily but one thing that stands out (and get it if they're offering it) is the rabbit pierogi. Very delicious although some more traditional people may scoff at paying $19 for 4 pierogis. The service was pretty consistent. There were a few hiccups but that's to be expected. In between courses, the food did take a long pause and the waiter came to check on us and assure us the food was coming out. The place is extremely loud. I was there on a week night and it was full of people grabbing dinner after work and some gold coast/lincoln park families as well. Did not have a chance to sample the cocktail menu so I can't comment on that. Overall an enjoyable experience. Just don't expect another Vie.
(4)Lauren S.
This place has been on my Chicago restaurant bucket list since I moved here 3 years ago, so when the opportunity to go came about, I wouldn't turn it down. I went during Restaurant Week and was very pleased. The staff was friendly and very accommodating and the restaurant itself is well-decorated, yet still feels comfortable. The menu we chose from was great--I had the butternut squash soup for my first course (you could also choose a salad)--beyond delicious! I noticed that the wait staff has a very coordinated system in terms of setting and clearing the table, which I appreciated and enjoyed watching. My main course was a fish flavored with olives atop a bed of greens with a side of creamy polenta (the other option was pork loin with root veggies). It was fantastic. The dessert course was a choice of apple-filled crepes or a chocolate cake with lemon confit. I went for the chocolate and was not disappointed. I would love to go back and try items off of their regular menu, and I plan to do so, especially since you get 15% off brunch if you bring in your receipt!
(5)Tracy F.
Went here for brunch on a Saturday. The staff is friendly and the service is great. I really enjoyed the food and they have a great brunch selection. I only wish the portions (food and drink!) were larger.
(4)J D.
Contemporary American, innovative and delicious. The atmosphere is inviting and waitstaff are most knowledgeable and attentive. Currently they are offering a variety of seasonal pickled fruits and vegetables from the summer months.
(5)Maggie S.
While I was staying at the Hotel Lincoln, I had both dinner and breakfast here. The dinner was nice -- absolutely everything was pretty well done, and the ambiance was nice -- but really what was grand was the breakfast. Oatmeal was done wonderfully, nice use of fruit from the farmer's market across the street, a latte from the coffee shop in the hotel was marvelous, and everything was speedy. Just exceptionally solid!
(4)Kelly C.
The perfect spot for groups. This foodie haven has great food, service and ambiance. Paul Virant creates a unique menu that all can enjoy. I will take my friends here for brunch, my family for a fun dinner and celebrate a Chicago summer night with anyone who wants to accompany me on the patio. If you do have brunch, you must order the cheese curds.
(4)Shannon H.
I'm a big fan of Paul Virant. I first ate at his restaurant, Vie, in Western Springs 6 years ago and thought it was exceptional. I was excited to hear he was taking over Perennial and thought Chicago deserved to be introduced to his food. My husband and I went last night. The staff -- friendly, the decor -- inviting, the menu -- promising. Virant likes pickling and his dishes showcased this passion. Problem was, not much of the meal was memorable. Started with a salad of "Apple and Roots": carrots, kohlrabi, roasted pecans, parsley, and an apple butter vinaigrette. This I liked. It reminded me of a pecan pie mixed with an apple pie. Fresh, crunchy, warm spices -- I wanted more. Next was the gnocchi. Virant is known for his light and crispy gnocchi. The dish, composed of mushrooms, roasted roots, truffle butter, and aged provolone was not spectacular. Mainly, the provolone overpowered the dish. Although I did like the textures -- chewy mushrooms, soft, yet crisp gnocchi and a rich truffle sauce. Following the gnocchi was the Slagel lamb cassoulet: smoked loin, leg, sausage, navy beans, and bread crumbs. What was nice about this dish was it wasn't too heavy. The sauce was light, the beans were al dente, and the lamb was layered on top. Maybe it needed a bit more punch? Salt? For our entrees, we chose the pork coated in peppercorns served with roasted celery root, pickled asparagus, and a brandy cream sauce. If you love pepper, this dish was still too peppery. If you dislike pepper, the dish was inedible. I happen to love pepper. The balance was just not there. We also chose the "most ordered meal on the menu": a 28 day dry-aged grilled beef loin served with fried butterball potatoes, greens, creamed leeks, red wine sauce, and bone marrow butter. The potatoes were similar to what you would eat at brunch and everything else was tasty because how could it not. Memorable -- not so much. I never order chocolate for dessert but the chocolate custard tart with salty pretzels sounded like a promising ending. It was definitely chocolate driven, but missing the salt entirely. I had one bite that had a bit of salt to it. Disappointing. We entered hoping to re-create a similar experience to Vie - a chef who studied under Paul Kahan, who made his own condiments, pickled the bounty of the season, and served perfectly executed dishes that were exciting and memorable. We left with no desire to go back and a list of other restaurants we wished we had gone to instead.
(3)Emily F.
Not sure why they changed the name because it seems pretty similar to the old Perennial, but that's just fine w/ me. Might be a little pricey, but is the best brunch spot in Old Town. Great food, great mimosas, great seating. What else do you need on a summer weekend? Granted, I've never had the dinner here, but it seems like a good date spot that probably has decent food.
(5)Jessica H.
One of Chicagos best restaurants! I love everything this place has to offer. Great service, amazing food, laid back atmosphere... what could be better. If you want to read more about my experience check out: atetherewrotethat.com/20…
(5)Laurie W.
great experience. unique menu selections. would dine here again.
(4)John K.
Last night a few friends and I went to Perennial. We had a great experience sitting on the patio and eating good food, drinking good drinks and enjoying a leisurely meal. We started with cocktails which were tasty; although I will say watch out for The Lulubelle because it is very strong. My friend coughed after her first sip. Next we had the Midwestern Cheeses - including a cheddar with some great preserves, a blue with great honey. The Gnocchi was awesome. It could not have been a better dish. Made with russet potatoes. Delicious! We shared this wonderful tomato salad that was truly amazing and worth a second trip in one week! Finally, we switched to some good wines by the glass and entrees. My friend got the oxtail and it was so tender and wonderful. I got the bean salad with peaches and the scallops. The scallops were cooked perfectly and had a bit of heat to them. But the true outstanding winner was this Italian Sausage dish with potatoes. The sausage was so tasty and the potatoes and sauce so creamy/butter amazing that we were all so jealous of her dish. Then we grabbed desert and dessert wines because we were having such a good time, that we no longer cared that it was Monday. I got the peach tiramisu and it was totally totally creamy and light and amazing. My friends shared the fritters served with honey and preserves. They were light and the honey stole the show. It was so good taht we asked for some to go. This was my 2nd time here in 2 years and if my previous experience had been as good as this one; it would not have taken me over a year to come back. Virant totally impressed last night.
(5)Aaron K.
Opening night for Perennial Virant and the I have to say if things keep up like they were tonight the Boka gentleman have another winner on their hands. The redesign for PV matches the food chef Paul is putting out perfectly. Simple, understated but with an energy and flow like few others. Speaking to the food, you can't go wrong. I've never seen chef Paul put out an average dish and he isn't about to start now. Highlights tonight were the rabbit ballontine, cornbread and the crispy rice (which is nearly the most decadent grilled cheese I've ever had.) Dessert should not be missed either as Kady Yon has transformed it into delicious art (much like her work at BOKA and GT Fish and Oyster.) Given this is a Wed night our cocktail sampling was on the low end, but the wife and I both agreed that the pairing of drinks (most with earthy undertones) and food was spot on. We're looking forward to returning for a more extensive cocktailing tour.
(5)Abigail D.
Yeah I must say I prefer you Perennial Virant for breakfast/brunch then Nookies, because you too deliver the classics with a twist..with you home grown fresh produce. I salute you. Sometimes I feel though the food is kinda cool, not in the good way but in the "hey warm up my food" way... I enjoy dinner too, very romantic. Food I must say is superb.
(4)Jessica V.
The charcuterie plate is delicious...as is the homemade bread. We had the pork and the whitefish, and I cannot even decide which I liked better. Both dishes were cooked perfectly, with an interesting mix of flavors and ingredients. There was just enough food...not enough to take leftovers, which are always nice to have the next day. The pricing is a bit high, but we were very satisfied with the meal and thought it was well worth it! The only downside was that they were out of two of the fish dishes, leaving only the whitefish. But it was also late on a Sunday night. The decor is very clean and simple, with beautiful lighting and a nice bar. Good service. Easy street/ meter parking.
(4)Tiff W.
Perennial Virant is PROMISING. First off, the inside is great. I love the lounge area where you can sit down and order drinks while you wait for your table to be ready. The Name TBD cocktail with blueberries is one of my new favorites. Light-tasting, refreshing, yet still strong. I can drink those all night long. The two of us each got the seasonal prix fixe menu and ordered different dishes so we would get to try every option on the fixed menu. We also ordered the cornmeal cake and the grilled asparagus a la carte. Our first courses, the smoked trout and the pork shoulder, were absolutely amazing. The smoked trout was perfect and the pork shoulder was so tender. You can tell that these ingredients are EXTREMELY fresh. When our server was talking about the menu and said, "We picked some of these ingredients from the ground this morning," I was like "SUUURE..." But you know what? After my first bite of food, I believed him. That's how fresh and tasty everything was. We got our cornmeal cake & grilled asparagus next. The cornmeal cake with tomatoes was so incredibly light. The grilled asparagus with fried hen egg and burrata was HEAVEN. Seriously, this is a must-get. Our main courses is what drops Perennial Virant from five to four stars. The crispy whitefish was good. Good, not great. Upon tasting it, my boyfriend said, "I can make this at home." Sorry Paul Virant, I know you're an awesome chef, but yes, that crispy whitefish just seemed a little TOO simple. I really really wanted to love my chicken fricasse. Unfortunately, whoever made it had a really heavy hand with the salt. I don't like my food to be overly salted, and the salt just completely overpowered the natural flavor of the chicken. I also had to chug about 3 glasses of water after eating it. We got the additional cheese course and it was great. Who would have thought that gouda and rhubarb jam would make such a great pairing? The dessert was phenomenal as well...pound cake with some toasted milk ice cream. Delicious! I really really wanted to give Perennial Virant five stars, but I can't on account of our entrees, mainly because of my oversalted chicken. However, that being said, I think if they work out some of these minor issues, it can be a GREAT restaurant. I love the whole farm to table fresh local cooking concept, and Perennial Virant definitely has the potential to be one of the leaders in Chicago.
(4)Faith D.
Brunch with 2 gal pals on a Saturday morning. Lovely restaurant - and now part of (I imagine) the newly refurbished Hotel Lincoln. For those of you old enough to remember, it is located in the spot formerly occupied by Jeff's Laugh-In from a very, very long time ago. Servers were efficient and polite, but didn't bug you. Food looked good but tasted so-so. I had 2 basted eggs (these were fine), beer jam sausage (okay), home fries with cheese curds (fries way over cooked/dry and cheese curds so salty they were awful). A miniscule slice of rye toast cut in half. Did they run out of bread or is this just Lincoln Park chi-chi? Coffee was good. We didn't have drinks but bloody marys being served looked small and not "hearty" if you know what I mean. One friend had the smoked salmon and grits; the other had a skillet. I think they liked theirs fine. Not over-priced but I can get much better food for less money in a zillion other places. Not so sure I'd go back. Also -- my fault that I didn't complain/mention to a server or manager. So pretty place, great location, but not the best food ever.
(2)S.Y. D.
I decided to celebrate my 30th birthday dinner at Perennial Virant earlier this month. I had a pretty large turnout of about 12-14 people at first. Given our size, I have to give a big thank you to the staff and hosts at Perennial Virant. They did their due diligence in following up with me since I made reservations and I wasn't sure what the exact number was going to be. They were very accommodating and I have to say the service and attention-to-detail was top notch. That being said, the food was excellent and on the same level as their service. Between our large group, we covered most of the appetizers and main dishes. Everyone loved what they ordered. It was also great that Paul Virant, came out from the back and chatted with us a little bit. For me, I had the Salmon as my main dish. It was cooked to perfection! Since it was my birthday, I also had a chance to try a variety of their specialty drinks. I asked our server what she recommended based on the type of drinks I like. She made some great recommendations. From start to finish, it was a great dining experience.
(5)Rod O.
If you went to the original Perennial and didn't like it, you must come back for this version. Perennial Virant is absolutely amazing. Everything we tried was really good and the service was very attentive and friendly. The only thing that we ordered and didn't like was the beef short rib but everything else was delicious! Definitely try the gnocchi and scallops, some of the best I have ever had!
(5)Lois A.
The service really puts this place over the top. I I can't say enough nice things about the way we were treated. The pickled green bean and asparagus in the bloody mary tasted amazing. So did the spicy tomato on anything. Chicken sausage and gravy = a very good time. And cheese curds! This is a great place to start a weekend.
(5)Sean D.
Food was pretty good. The freshest of ingredients. But what I walked away feeling good about was the mood and setting. Was there with work friends and we had a blast...which was encouraged by the entire staff that came to our table. Great outdoor seating if you like people watching. Great cocktails...so great in fact that I have to go back there to try and remeber all of the things I ate. They make their own honey so get the cheese plate.
(4)Samuel M.
Came here with the fam for my birthday dinner; since it's #5 on Chicago mag's 20 best restaurants of 2011, ahead of personal favorites of mine such as Au Cheval and Libertad, my expectations were through the roof. Perennial Virant did not disappoint, but it didn't bring the house down either. The name of the game here is simple, well-executed cuisine made from high quality seasonal ingredients. When I say seasonal, I mean seasonal; the menu changes so fast that the items advertised on the posted menu outside were different from the items at the actual restaurant. While this is a confusing oversight and represents a mistake, I think it's also a testament to the freshness of everything. We started with the "little bloom on the prairie" ($25); fortunately not an Outback-style bloomin' onion as we originally thought, but a large camembert grilled crispy on the outside, warm on the inside, and served with housemade brown bread and raspberry compote. It tastes slightly worse than it sounds, although that's unfair because it sounds unbelievably good, and it does feel a little steep in terms of cost. Charcuterie plate ($15; on this day, containing chicken liver pate, spicy beef sausage and housemade coppa salami) is definitely big enough to share; don't do as I did and order it for a personal appetizer. Seasonal lettuces ($9), served simply with tomato vinaigrette and a generous portion of chevre, are a perfect start to a farmhouse chic meal such as this, and the chevre is among the best I've tasted. Grilled rainbow trout ($27), served with buttermilk mashed potatoes and a melange of fresh vegetables (radishes and snow peas) is perfectly cooked and delicious, although the flavors are too light for this to be memorable. There are a lot of places in Chicago that do mellow fresh fish dishes well, and this didn't stand out in my mind. The salmon ($25), on the other hand, with prosciutto and grilled vegetables, is divine. Desserts ($8) are somewhat hit and miss; the Mouton frais fritters are tiny warm beignet-oid donuts made with sheep's milk cheese, and are every bit as good as they sound. The cookie assortment, on the other hand, was somewhat pedestrian aside from the carrot cookie sandwich with cream cheese frosting. Of note, the bar makes an excellent Manhattan. Service is very friendly and surprisingly down-to-Earth; it helped this restaurant avoid seeming pretentious, which was a concern of mine. The space is beautiful, particularly on a nice summer night like last night. All in all, Perennial Virant does an excellent job with serving very fresh, highly seasonal food in a simple way, but by no means does it crack my personal upper echelon of Chicago restaurants. I'd say it's well worth a trip during your favorite food season!
(4)Tina R.
My husband and I had dinner there during Restaurant Week. The hostess and our waiter were very friendly and easy going. The lighting was dim and gave a cozy atmosphere while the decor was clean and had an earthy feeling to it. We started with a well-priced glass of pinot noir and a very tasty cocktail. The restaurant week menu had two choices per course so we decided to get the entire menu plus the gnocchi, which I had heard rave reviews about. We started with the butternut squash soup, it was the most perfect winter soup I have had in a restaurant by far, and the local lettuce salad, very fresh and tasty veggies. We then shared the fish with greens, a tomato-based sauce, and super creamy polenta, and the pork loin with root veggies. Both were yummy and very cleanly prepared so that they emphasized the natural flavors of the foods. The portions were decently sized, though not huge, so we were glad to have ordered the gnocchi with mushrooms. And omg, everyone was right about how amazing the gnocchi was- surprisingly light and fluffy but crispy on the outside, smothered with a delicious sauce of mushrooms. Absolutely heavenly. Finally, our dessert was the apple crepes (tasted exactly like an apple pie but less heavy than a real piece of pie) and the chocolate cake (rich and wonderfully chocolately, a favorite). Overall, a fantastic experience and great value for the restaurant week menu. Perennial Virant definitely deserves a 4.5! I couldn't give it a full 5 since the entrees didn't completely wow me and only the gnocchi and soup truly stood out to me. I'd like to go back and try their full menu.
(4)Zoe N.
The food here will make your eyeballs roll back into your skull (in a good way). The service is excellent on both sides of the bar. Is it pricy? Of course it is. If, like myself, you're not part of the upper class elite this isn't a place you go to once a week on a whim. It's a treat, and it's worth it. Buy the ticket, take the ride. Your taste buds will treasure the memories for ages to come.
(5)AJ T.
Ordered everything on the Chef's Menu for $39/person. - Local Lettuces Salad with Fresh Chevre: I really enjoyed this salad, and I don't usually enjoy chevre, but I really loved it in this salad. It was sweet and creamy--perfect with the acidity of the dressing. A nice size portion. - Mushroom Soup: Very strong mushroom flavor & very rich. Not my personal favorite. - Whitefish: Good, not great, though this was one of the better dishes. Very crispy skin, which I enjoyed. I liked the vinaigrette-type sauce that the noodles were dressed in. - Gunthorp Chicken Combo: Just not good. If you insist on the Chef's menu, order the fish. - Sweet Potato Pie: I wish this dish was served warm. Additionally, it comes with a heaping tablespoon of what I thought was ice cream, only to discover it was whipped cream--kind of a let down. I don't really like the chewy crust; I wanted it to be crunchy and crispy, and I found the filling to be over spiced. - Ice Cream Bar: Why so few brownie bites in comparison to ice cream? This was a nice dessert, but I think the common thread = nothing blew me away. The food ranges between not good (chicken combo) to just good. - Carnaroli Rice: Ordered this on the recommendation of my server; he gave us the hard sell for this dish, which turned out to be a glorified deep-fried cheese curd. Skip it. All that being said, there's a lot to be said about ambience & decor that it almost bumps this place up to 3 stars. I enjoyed the experience of eating here, but I'd say don't come here for the food... at least on the chef's menu. I can't speak for anything on their regular menu.
(2)Catherine B.
Having come here last Friday night after a long day of sailboat racing with my team, I don't know if I'm the best judge of the food but service was definitely up there. We were seated outside right away which was good because inside was extremely noisy . Our waitress took drink orders immediately but wasn't really able to answer my question about the Domaine Montrose rose. Which didn't matter anyway because my rose never came out- I got a sauv blanc instead. I though about complaining but it was really good (a little dark outside & hadn't noticed the color) and I didn't want the team to give me crap. We got bread plates but no bread came & our skipper held up a plate and said, "what are these?" After that the highlight of the evening was our bread & water server who had a really great personality. Not good with names but I learned he was born before 1976 when he joined our game of guessing dates of old TV sitcoms. On to dinner which came surprising quickly-it disappeared as fast as we could stuff ourselves. We had two trouts, soft-shelled crabs and the beef loin. I love soft shell crabs, but these were a little soggy and chewy maybe due to the bread sauce and relish. The four of us finished every morsel, but like I said we were not in the best condition to savor our food! After dinner we headed up to the roof top bar of Hotel Lincoln to complete our evening. We had a view of the full moon peaking thru the clouds over the city and a number of other sailors had joined the party up there. Would definitely stay at the Hotel again and eat at PV.
(4)Nicky S.
My friend graduated from Northwestern with a Master's degree and it was much warranted to celebrate with loved ones and gourmet food. The atmosphere is lovely. More like attending a dinner party at a well to do friend's house than a stuffy bistro. Our party of 7 had the Charcuterie platter and Calamari to begin with and were blown away. the Calamari in particular was an unexpected gem. Garbanzo beans cooked to perfection and grilled calamari in a warm bath of savory lardo that finished on a note of just the right amount of spice. Our entrees consisted of the whitefish, salmon, rainbow trout and chicken parm. Everyone cleaned their plates. I would like to give a special shout out to the duck fat cabbage that accompanied the whitefish. Impeccable. A common observation from our group was the flavors in each dish that were separate but lent a special note to come together in a beautiful symphony of flavor. I would recommend Perennial Virant for dinner. Tips: The Valet is in front of the hotel to the left of the restaurant. You can enter the restaurant through the hotel. Walk to the front desk area, take a right and walk through the black framed glass door. No sign. Step up, and remember to step down after leaving the restaurant, as the floor slopes and one could be caught off guard after sampling the fine wine. The bathroom is in the lobby of the hotel.
(4)Heidi R.
I really don't know what to say about Perennial. I had the HIGHEST hopes for this place and was SO excited to come here. My friend had gone here once and told me the pork belly was unbelievable, and I am a HUGE pork belly lover so I was so excited when I saw it on the menu for restaurant week. My boyfriend and I came with a reservation and got sat quickly. The restaurant is really nice and all the staff seemed very good as well. Unfortunately, when we looked at the menu neither the pork belly or the gnocchi appetizer that was on the on-line menu were available. When we asked the server he said they had ran out but pointed out other sides we could purchase in addition to the restaurant week prix fix menu. BUMMER. We were so upset (or I was) that I contemplated leaving. The one reason I came to Perennial and instead I was left with an option of white fish or pork loin. I went with the pork loin and it actually was quite tasty. I had a salad to start and my boyfriend and I shared the apple crepes and Boston cream pie for desserts. I would love to come back here when they have more pork belly in stock or I'd like to even try brunch here as I hear its quite lovely. I live down the street and always see people dining outside and it seems to be a really neat place to go.
(3)Jen O.
The brunch menu is sometimes a little limited for me. But the ambiance and service are consistently good!
(4)Ian B.
Great food and excellent service. Went here before Second City and had a blast at both places. A bit pricey.
(4)Barbara B.
We had a fantastic late dinner here last night. The service could not have been better, from the hostess to our waitress Sara (Sarah?) to the bus staff. We arrived shortly before the kitchen closed at ten, and never felt rushed. We shared four delicious appetizers - sweet scallops, spring-fresh green salad (yum!), terrific rice dish and a crispy-outside / tender and tasty-inside pork belly. Too full to order dessert, we were gifted two chocolate chip cooked with our check. Been here before, we'll be back! The room was really comfortable, still lively but never loud.
(4)Marie D.
Yummy appetizers, cocktails and desserts. Main courses were OK, my shepherds pie wasn't as awesome as I had hoped and my husband said his pork Lin was just OK. Enjoyed the atmosphere, would go back.
(4)Melissa S.
Staff was amazing and the food was delicious! The gnocchi appetizer was soo good and I would recommend the fritters for desert.
(5)Tony P.
My girlfriend and I tried this place last night for this first time for Valentines day. The dinner was their fixed menu, but the lobster, duck, tenderloin, and dessert were all fantastic. They even had a great wine pairing with every dish for only $25. Make sure to try and arrive a few minutes be fore you reservation and grab a drink on top of the Hotel Lincoln...Beautiful view! We cant wait to go back and try their a la carte menu.
(5)Daniel F.
I was excited to try Paul Virant's newest place in Old Town, a great urban neighborhood near Lincoln Park. It seemed crowded to me, but on the Friday after Thanksgiving, according to them, it wasn't too crowded. Space is attractive and bustling. Looks to have lots of staff. Things got off to slowish start with the drink order and initial contact, but then were much improved. Had a very tasty pomegranate-based alcoholic punch to start. MANY good food choices. I went with: Bar snacks: Soft pretzel with a smoked cheddar sauce from a creamery along with a pretzel, deviled farm eggs (not sure what the filling was but it was great), and some quite spicy corn nuts. They have small courses, medium, and large. I decided to go with a grilled Snake River (CO?) sturgeon with braised angus beef - a take on surf and turf. Also had roasted carrots and fennel, potato purée, house red wine vinegar, and maple syrup. Great combo of tastes and textures. I recommend heartily. For dessert I had a cranberry crisp with a house made buttermilk (I think) ice cream. Delicious. Without hurrying or feeling rushed I was done in about 75 min. I am a fast eater! Great choice if you are going to Lincoln Park Zoo or Second City. Street parking is available and reasonable. Valet parking also. Added bonus is proximity to Green City Market and Treasure Island.
(4)Susan W.
I've been here twice. Both times were very good, but I think that I might recommend the breakfast over the dinner. Locally grown produce and meets are used. All food are described well by the wait-staff. Inside and outside seating is available.
(4)J C.
Excellent, attentive service and local, vibrant food. Trout was very tasty and cooked perfectly. Salads tasted fresh from the farm. Drinks are a standout. I highly recommend for dinner.
(5)Yaeko M.
Awesome food, service, ambience. We had 3 pre-fixed chicago restaurant week menu. 1) local lettuce garden salad or butter nut squash soup, 2) grilled fish or pork loin, 3) apple crepe with ice cream or chocolate cake. We tasted all of them and all were delicious! The service was excellent and atmosphere was elegant yet comfortable. I had a wonderful dining experience. I love to go back there to try other dishes.
(5)Hannah N.
Best restaurant i went to all restaurant week. Would love to go back and even pay full price. Impeccable technique. I mean, I wasn't all that excited about the cloyingly sweet butternut squash soup. But parsnip beignets... Yum. And I still want to know how that chicken breast was cooked. I am guessing it involved some serious sous vide to get it so tender without any bones, but I still have no idea how the skin was made so deliciously crisp. Magic? I have always wanted to say this word in relation to food and could never find the right situation till now... very unctuous and indulgent without feeling heavy at all.
(4)Rachel K.
Such a great place with truly fantastic service. I brought my parents here when they were visiting Chicago for the weekend, and we scheduled Second City's "Dinner and a Show" package. We came in knowing that we would be limited to the prixe fixe menu that comes with the package, but were pleasantly surprised at the freedom and variety that was offered to us. My parents had no problem adhering to their pescetarian diets! Our waiter, Jason, was incredibly knowledgeable about the sources of the food, the manner in which it was prepared, and recommended great wine pairings. We walked away having had an elegantly prepared three course meal with great service, and made it to Second City in plenty of time.
(5)Penny L.
Great for the area. Not sure if I'd go back.
(4)John M.
Perennial is the best! Beyond delicious! They are the kindest, most accommodating place we have been lately. Boban, our Macedonian waiter, was unbelievable!
(5)Dusty K.
Perennial Virant (PV) is perennially amazing. Not having visited this restaurant prior to Mr. Virant's takeover, I have no comparison to the former Perennial. But I was fully impressed with my brunch last Sunday. From the service to the atmosphere to the food, this place is made for Chicago's beautiful late summer days. The weather was perfect; 70 degrees, low humidity and a breeze reminding you of early fall. PV had it's doors swung wide open providing us with an outdoor eating experience inside. I'm a food snob. There, I said it. So I don't have a great appreciation for the diner-style brunch served up by many local places. Greasy eggs, flavorless white toast and bacon in mass quantities. I want something different. Something better. Fresh, local, seasonal produce prepared in simple way to let the summer flavors shine. PV follows this basic principle. I went with the french toast. It was served with diced up seasonal nectarines and locally sourced maple syrup. The flavors were outstanding and I really enjoyed the sweetness in the dish. The outer edges had nice texture from the crust while the inner portion was creamier and melted in your mouth. On the side I sampled the chorizo, potatoes and curds, and the sticky bun. All were different than what I was expecting but done very well. I loved the pecans and caramel served with the sticky bun. I was licking the plate by the end. I've heard great things of the dinner menu but brunch at PV was perfect. Good service, great food, and a late summer morning dining al fresco style. There's nothing better.
(4)Emily S.
I did not like the new Perennial. That makes me sad, because I loved the old Perennial! They managed to revamp the entire restaurant so it looks like...every other newer restaurant in the city. Not a fan of the new decor. We waited for 45 minutes past our reservation time, which is always irritating. The food was not that great. I actually enjoyed the veg dishes we ordered (the asparagus, the peas and the corn cake with burrata cheese), but I did not like the meat dishes. The smoked short ribs with pickled mushrooms was just gross. The other beef dish had no flavor at all. The "small plates" aren't really small plates - they are kind of an awkward size for a "small plate" and not really large enough to make up an entree on their own (however, they are priced like an entree). I will go back when they re-open for brunch, but I was pretty disappointed with the new dinner menu. I don't think I will go back.
(2)Stefanie B.
I was so excited to have dinner here last night. Knowing how much I loved this place when it was Perennial, I thought I would be Ooo'ing and Ahhh'ing all over the meal....mmmm, not so much. The atmosphere is way better and you can't beat the outdoor seating, but that's about where my Ooo'ing stopped. The food is consistently tasty and it's presented beautifully, but the portions are about 1/2 the size they were before and the prices just don't cut it anymore. Really, I'm not a huge eater and after we finished our meals we looked at each other and said...uh, I'm hungry. Such a bummer. I left without an Ooo or an Ahh and the only thing I could think was, hummmph.
(3)rebecca c.
Fantastic!
(5)A L.
Bright, clean flavors that burst with farmed freshness. Every dish was well thought-out but not overly complicated. The quality and selection of the ingredients and the way it was combined to create flavors is original and impressive. LOVE the menu format of small, medium, large rather than the traditional appetizer and main courses. We're not big eaters and ordered 3 smalls and 2 mediums between 2 people and it was the perfect amount of food. The server did not pressure us to order more and was in fact very honest about portion size. Drinks -- Very creative (and tasty) cocktails and an extensive and reasonably priced wine list. Decor -- Great atmosphere, big open room with hip but relaxed decor. Very casual chic. The chef came out to chat with some of the tables. We figured he was greeting regulars but our server took notice of how much we were enjoying our meal and brought him over to meet us. A nice surprise and a classy touch. Chef Virant was great -- down-to-earth and very pleasant. Overall a most enjoyable experience!
(5)A.K. R.
With all the great press PV has gotten, a fellow foodie friend and I were excited to try it on a visit to Chicago. Unfortunately, we were quite disappointed overall. Service and ambiance were great. Fantastic cocktails and a decent wine list. But the food was just so-so. We ordered the smoked trout beignets and seared diver scallops for starters. Beignets were bland and dry. While the scallops were cooked well, something in the dish (pickled meyer lemon rind?) was off-puttingly bitter, and overpowered the delicate flavor of the scallops. We both ordered the duck confit entree, and were also disappointed -- barely warm, not crisp, and a bit on the dry side. Despite the great service and drinks, I'm afraid I wouldn't go back. Maybe it was an off night being a Monday evening, but I expected better quality food.
(2)Camille P.
What a lovely Sunday brunch at Perennial Virant! I wanted to hit this place up when it was simply "Perennial" but never got the chance so I can't give a comparison but I can say that it's pretty damn good since the switch. The menu was pretty limited but we managed to find some very tasty morsels on it. There were only a few 'complete' dishes with the rest being more of a 'build your own' type scenario. We opted for one 'complete' and one 'build your own'. Note the 'sticky buns' extension. Yeah, we did want it... but we didn't get it. Complete: 3 egg omelette (why do people put 3 eggs in omelettes? It's too many.) with chevre (aka goat cheese), Prosciutto, arugula pesto, radishes. The cheese was creamy and tangy, the Prosciutto; salty, the radishes; fresh, the pesto; lost. Quite tasty overall but you really had to hunt for the flavor of the pesto. And the Prosciutto could have sliced a little thinner to make it easier to cut and chew. It wasn't very tender, but it was, of course, delicious none the less. Overall, though, it was way above average as far as omelettes go. For our 'build your own' we decided on poached eggs, spicy kale & pickled onions and creamy grits. Fab, fab and fab. Seriously. Everything was perfectly seasoned, the grits tasted like corn (not butter or cheese) and I could have eaten a bathtub full of the kale. It was sauteed with a little oil and/or butter (I'm not sure because it wasn't overwhelming either way... which is a good thing) and mixed with these sweet yellow onions that had been sauteed then pickled in a sort of sweet & sour pickling liquid. The flavor of the onion really came through the tangy, acid & slight sweetness. The combination was truly everything I'd hoped and dreamed.... Maybe even better. Look how beautiful it is! You know you're at a good place when something so simple as kale, grits and a poached egg makes you dance in your seat. We were dancing through the entire brunch. How awesome would it be to have a restaurant across the street from the farmers' market? REALLY awesome, if you ask me. It looks like chef Paul Virant is really workin' that angle. Fresh peas and berries and biscuits! Oh my! The place looks great. It's modern but rustic. Clean lines but with pretty wood accents and a bunch of pickling jars filled with a variety of colorful fruits and veggies lining the shelves. It's like being in an uber-chic farmhouse. The plaid-wearing servers were extremely proficient. Kind when enticed into conversation but otherwise, all business. A good combo, I'd say. Overall, an excellent experience. I would definitely recommend Perennial Virant to anyone looking for an elegant yet comfortable brunch. The Short Version (Out of 10)... Food: 8.5 (I kinda wish there were more options) Service: 9 Ambiance: 9 Overall impression: 9 Would I go back? I will certainly be going back for dinner. The menu seems to be more extensive and composed.
(5)Alex R.
I went to Perennial Virant 6 months ago for dinner and was not that impressed, but they have totally stepped up their game. WOW. I started with a Swift WInd whiskey cocktail which was fantastically creative and delicious. For appetizers we shared the local lettuces and the crispy rice - cant say enough about how wonderful they were. (Sizeable portions for appetizers). I had the cavatelli as my meal which was wonderful as well. We then split the apple pie dessert - PERFECTION. We ended the evening with a glass of wine on the J. Parker rooftop, which is stunning. I highly recommend the whole experience.
(5)Karolyn S.
Service great. Very friendly. Food was good, nothing spectacular. We did, however, receive the lamb dish for free for some unknown reason (mess up in the kitchen orders maybe?) and also a mint cookie dessert for free as well. What we had: The fried cheese rice thing was good. A bit greasy. Gnocci was good as well. Could have used more gnocci in the dish. The lamb dish (I don't eat lamb, so no comment here) The cheese plate was good. The honey was delicious! Our highlight: The cobia with braised beef main dish was fantastic. Cobia was cooked perfectly. Blood orange sorbet was excellent. Everything else was okay. I'd go back for the cobia dish, a glass of wine (or 2) and the sorbet. I'd skip on everything else.
(3)Nicole M.
We came here for Sunday brunch with friends and our 14-month old in tow. The atmosphere is welcoming and the service is friendly and attentive. I love the decor -- felt a bit like being in a French garden, with a modern twist. We had a sticky bun to start (yum!!). Then, I ordered the omlet with chevre, pesto, radish, and prosciutto. I wonder if the chef just popped next store to the Green City Market for the ingredients. It was a delicious with good fresh flavors and light, airy eggs. What more could you ask for? The other folks at the table ordered the skillet and the chicken fried steak. To be honest, I was so consumed with my own tasty meal, I didn't pause to inquire about their food, but it looked good and everyone polished off their plates. Finished the meal with strawberries, whipped cream, and rosemary shortbread -- all very yummy, especially the rosemary shortbread. This is a bit of a trek for us and a couple dollars more than we'd usually pay per-person for brunch, but it's worth it. I would certainly go back here. This is the kind of place that invites you in, gives you good food, and makes you want to stick around a little while longer. Although the staff were very accomodating of our baby, I think I'd enjoy the experience more if I went with girlfriends and sat on the patio to linger over a second cocktail. I'll certainly be back -- soon, I hope!
(4)Callie J.
I used to live in Lincoln Park and would pass Perennial almost daily, looking, wondering and wanting to go. I had almost given up on the hope that I would make plans to go there when a friend of mine suggested we go, and I'm soooo happy he did. By then it was Perennial Virant and oh my god, it is amazing. The atmosphere is so cozy and warm. If I could design a restaurant, it would look very much like Perennial Virant. The menu and drinks were outstanding. Initially, I was a little worried the menu would be out of my league, but I couldn't have been more wrong. Perennial Vibrant somehow has achieved a nirvana between upscale and down-to-earth. The caliber of food is outstanding, yet the whole experience is inviting. My friend and I took our time, we ordered drinks and started with our first round of plates. The server was very attentive and not at all bothered by the fact that we were probably annoyingly indecisive about if we wanted to order more and what it should be, and then ended up ordering more. I highly recommend Perennial Virant. It was such a relaxing, enjoyable - basically perfect way to end my weekend.
(5)Eric Y.
When i first founded out that Perennial was opened by the same group as Girl and the Goat. I was so excited....but I think that's where the problem was. My expectations were to high right off the bat. Not that Perennial was bad per se. It was just not as good as girl and the goat. That's the main reason for the 3 stars. Alright now on to the food. The way this place works is they have small, medium, and large dishes. You pick 2-3 dish per person and share. They also only use things that are in season. So in the winter they'll have a lot more pickled stuff. Which I wouldn't mind going back to see what's it's all about. EVERYONE MUST TRY THEIR FRIED CHEESE BAR!!! Don't remember what's it's called right now, but it's the first item on the left side of the menu. (yes it was that good I remembered where it is on the menu) Since their menu changes all the time I wont go into what I ate because chances are they might not be there. Overall, I think this place is good...but just not amazing. I wouldn't mind going back here to eat, but for the price....I rather go somewhere else.
(4)Steven H.
Meh. Went there for dinner with an ex I haven't seen in a long time (no, that didn't have an effect of the rating) because it was close to her and the really nice open air environment ensured we wouldn't embarrass ourselves with shouting and four letter words. I only drank wine there but they do the whole artisan cocktail thing there too. If you are a fan of the violet hour you'd probably like it. I am not a fan of the violet hour. Any place that makes you wait 2 hours to get in to an empty place only to wait 30 minutes for a drink to be corrected by the bartender for mistakenly referring to them as a bartender instead of a mixologist isn't much fun. I feel for the guys who are forced to take their girlfriends/girl they want to impress there, which reminds me of this place. It is a really nice interior and the patio is great and right in the heart of lincoln park which is pretty likely where your girlfriend/girl you are trying to impress lives, but its definitely one of those places that women will appreciate more than men. It's one of those places the sex and the city girls would go to to complain about men and women they don't like over artisan cocktails made by a mixologist. The food was fantastically mediocre. None of it was bad by a any means, but everything was pretty forgettable. We had the grilled calamari, which was more garnish than calamari. My copper river salmon wasn't bad but everything they added to it (there are like 5 sides/garnishes) didn't really make sense to me. You can't just throw out a bunch of fancy cooking terms (I think mine was aioli and confit?) and expect the people to think it's going to be much more than sauce and mushy red pepper. But each section on its own was interesting, it just didn't gel together. Service was good, but it's to be expected in a place like this. Dinner for two was around $175 after tip (two apps, two entrees, 1 bottle) so I'll let you make your own decision about how pricey it is. I actually thought it was "reasonable" but then again I've been told before that I have lousy taste in expensive women. And maybe it would have been higher if it ended better, but probably doubtful. Meh.
(3)Ceal P.
2.75 stars. I've been to the previous Perennial, which I really enjoyed several times. Their space is very nice in a great location. Have been wanting to try the new (and supposedly improved) space. The space is a lot bigger looking, they cut down some walls and made everything a lot homier which was fun. Overall the concept changed to being "farm-to-table" cuisine, so opportune because they are located across the street from the green city market. The idea is promising albeit pretty on trend with everything else in the city, but their execution fell short. Overall the food was over-salted, flavors probably had potential, but execution lacked. Perhaps using too many gimmicks but unable to pull them to fruition. I remember eating a lot of initially crunchy fried foods that quickly ended up mushy. Also, the air conditioner in my corner was so strong, I think it cooled down all the food really fast. What we liked: cheese plate: can't go wrong! paparadelle with bolognese: my fav main dish. pasta hand made, sauce very delicious solid choice for dinner So-so: canaroli rice: fried cheese curds is pretty ingenious, this was a decent dish not great: roasted fall squash: the server recommended we have this with dinner as a side. in the end we kinda ignored it, not much flavor. whitefish dish: the best part were the hushpuppies, but the rest of the dish was not memorable at all. components didn't make sense together. service was fine. overall, don't think i'd return to this establishment anytime soon. lackluster and personally like the prior concept better.
(3)Tony W.
Not bad, but not worth the price or the hype.
(2)Debbie V.
We had reservations on a sunday morning. We sat down immediately. Very Clean, Very welcoming and great service. We had the gingerbread appetizer, oatmeal, sticky bun and a omelete. Our server Joanna was outstanding !!!! A definite visit.
(5)Kelly K.
Came here for cocktails and dinner on a wonder summer evening and was not disappointed. We ate and drank too much to recollect, but not a single dish disappointed, neither did the cocktails! The service was also top notch, but it was a bit noisy outside thanks to Clark St.
(4)John G.
We had Brunch here. It was good! We made reservations, and somehow waited longer than a few walk-ins that we saw come in after we did, but that was not a big deal. We had a drink, and were able to talk to the bartender who was very friendly. Our food was great (French toast and a breakfast sandwich). I had heard that the portions were small, but that is NOT true. We were both full, and very happy!
(3)Nicole M.
3 stars mostly due to the 45 minute wait despite having a reservation. The food was wonderful and loved the darker, sophisticated atmosphere. Came here with 3 friends for a late dinner during Restaurant Week, so we chose between 2 items each for an appetizer, entree, and dessert. I don't think any of these items are on the regular menu, so no point in going in depth. All in all, very satisfied with the quality of the 3 course meal at the 33$ Restaurant Week prix fixe price.
(3)Michael C.
First visit and LOVED it!!! Small plates: Rice cake was otherworldly and spinach salad which interesting with a hot kick to it. Might not be fore everyone... Medium plate: Gnocchi but only if you like gnocchi (my wife doesn't and this dish didn't change her mind...a texture thing). I enjoyed it. Large plates: Sturgeon was crazy good. Well balanced and seasoned. Knackwurst (homemade) was right out of eastern Europe. Loved it! Wine: Small wineries from all over the place (therefore didn't know many of them). Went with our servers recommendation (A pinot noir out of Michigan of all places...) and was solid. Service was perfect...not too fast, not too slow. Water glass was always full. Zero complaints! Great atmoshpere, correct lighting, comfortable setting. Will be back again and again!
(4)Whitney O.
Went on a Thursday night with another couple. For four, the waitress suggested ordering 8 dishes. That seemed like a lot, but we did it. The waitress also suggested to put in the full order and they would bring out the dishes in an order that made the most sense. I usually don't enjoy giving up control of my meal, but this is worth it! Highlights: Crispy Rice (small dish), the Lamb Cassolet - ! and the gnocchi. Everything was delicious. The octopus was good, but not as outstanding as the rest. The restaurant also has a great atmosphere. Its dark, but not too loud. I enjoyed going with more than two people, because there are so many delicious dishes to sample. Service was good.
(5)Mark G.
Four of us grazed through dinner on Monday night and enjoyed every single dish. Virant's cooking was a symphony of flavors and every dish was balanced in flavors and textures.
(5)Jennie P.
mmmmm....sweet potato donuts...you are gooooodd! strawberry beet salad....you are even better than I thought! Perennial Virant has beautiful decor inside, it's pretty open spaced with farm-like tables and lighting, clean and fresh feeling. I just loved it. Now the food - we had the sweet potato donuts w/ caramel glaze and they were dddeeelish! I would highly recommend! We also shared strawberry beet salad and WOW, this was also amazing and MUCH better than expected - hiiighly recommend. I had the maple sausage/eggs served with potatoes and cheese curds...it was delicious and flavorful but a bit heavy. My husband had meatloaf and also thoroughly enjoyed. The only thing was the sausage was a little heavy for me, although it was fresh. I ate one sausage patty, one egg, some of the potatoes and cheese curds and I felt like I had been eating ALL day with no break. So, it's a pretty rich meal but well worth it. Pricing is pretty reasonable as well....
(4)April W.
Based on breakfast I have no idea why this place gets such great reviews. I met a friend here on a Saturday for brunch and it was, at best, glorified hotel breakfast food. I had sausage patties with egg, nothing special and potatoes with curds. Can you say SALTY! The only good things about this place were the very friendly hostesses and the amazing bellinis. Everything else was just ehhhhhhh.
(2)Mark T.
After walking/driving/biking by this place hundreds of times, I finally made it to Perennial Virant for brunch. Being that it also boasted a pretty expensive menu, I was expecting a very high-end meal. Our group of six was served a nice tasting menu for the meal. We started off with a plate of house granola mixed with yogurt. Next we had an omelet that had the following: eggs, chevre, prosciutto, radishes, onions, and pesto. The omelet was quite excellent. Next we had salmon cakes (which were nice, but a bit on the salty side). The skillet contained eggs, potatoes, swiss chard, peppers and smoked cheddar. That dish was un-believable. As for sides, we had spicky kale w/onions (I'm a big fan of this dish), creamy grits (pretty good for my first experience eating them), smoked ham (this tasted ok to me), toast and biscuits (the softness of the biscuits is what I really liked about them). For dessert, we had peaches and cream w/ a shortbread cookie (this was nice, soft and light). We also had a sticky bun w/pecans (very sweet and very good). For a cocktail, I ordered the "Big Brass Bed": two different cocktail wines topped with liqueur. Quite tasty. I came out of this experience very much impressed. Our group was blessed with having four servers (yep, we were that lucky) look after us and bring the dishes out. What helps is that the servers do make it a point when they bring out their dishes to tell us that the majority, if not all the ingredients come from a farm within a 100 mile radius from the restaurant. Good food, and locally grown....a nice combination. Would I go back? Likely, but only for special occasions for dinner. It's probably best to go for brunch. Either way, I'm confident that the meal would be delicious.
(4)Amanda W.
The service was good, but the food was lackluster. My 3-egg omelet was surprisingly small and not at all filling. It was also dry and bland. My friend had the skillet and only ate a few bites before giving up on it. She did like the beet salad on the side and the strawberry mimosa. Brunch is one of my favorite meals and this one was hugely disappointing.
(2)Meg C.
Nice outdoor dining area. Very attentive/kind service. Food was excellent.
(4)A.M. K.
Absolutely awful food. Service is mediocre. Eggs look like they use egg beaters. Salmon is undercooked. Price is way too expensive. Don't advise anyone coming here.
(1)Ben Z.
I tried PV for brunch and was not disappointed. Everything was done to perfection -- from the creative menu to the engaging service to the wonderful meals (I went for the chicken fried steak). The brunch menu allows you to customize your meal by choosing a meal and several sides. I'm looking forward to trying dinner. Highly recommended.
(5)Irina M.
The made up for "losing" our table by giving a free appetizer: we got seated, but our waiter somehow didn't know we were his table. Other than that the service was excellent. The rise risotto was outstanding.
(4)Trevor H.
My favorite Boka group restaurant - heck, my favorite overall restaurant in Chicago. Our server was knowledgeable and able to recommended wines based on the flavor notes we were looking for, despite the plaid shirt. We started with a medium plate of scallops and watermelons, and were amazed. The little melons were spiced with cherry bomb peppers, which sounds intimidating, but the heat was dispersed and it paired amazingly well with the seared, rare scallops. Definitely a taste combination I'd never had before, and one I want again. Next we got our large plates, Walleyed Pike for her and Young Chicken for me. Both incredible, savory dishes. The fact that everything is farm-to-plate is nice, but the kitchen could be a Syngenta laboratory for all I care and I'd still give them 5 stars. If it tasted the same, that is.
(5)Paula T.
Since Perennial (the old version) was my favorite restaurant- emphasis on the "was"- I decided to see what the hype was about at the new PV. The old adage "if it ain't broken, don't fix it", goes a long way here...it was not broken and did not need fixing before. I'll give them that: an innovative twist on some ingredients (fried kale?) and a menu that is desired to be "edgy", yet ends up being confusing, might be entertaining, at best. Service was ok and so was the atmosphere, so the three stars go to that.
(3)LR L.
One of the better meals I have had in the past several months. Consistency was the high point; apps, main courses, desserts were all top notch, which is not often the case. Celery root, pates, and squash appetizers were terrific; each was distinct, great meld of flavors and textures, and good sized to share between the four of us. Duck, papadrelle, and pork main courses equaled the apps and deserts were incredible. Only minor down side was the lag time between finishing our apps and receiving our main courses. Other than that, service was knowledegable, friendly and not too intrusive. And the price point for the quality is where it should be. Highly recommended.
(5)Lois B.
We have been here several times, but the last time we were there for brunch, it was a totally delightful experience. The coffee and drinks are superb and the food is even better. Next time I'm getting the biscuits and gravy, but every dish was good and the service is excellent.
(5)Alejandra P.
Very nice restaurant and friendly staff. Main courses are small to regular size, in case you are very hungry
(3)Inter A.
Love this place. Been for dinner 3 times, and never disappoints. Food is always top notch, as are the cocktails. This will not be an inexpensive dinner, but I think it is worth the price.
(5)Rachel O.
The 'la brisa' cocktail is one of the best creations I've tried. The $12 price was a bit steep, but I'd probably order it again! Everything on the menu looked great- the cheese plate was wonderful and unique. On a Saturday late night, seating time was a little odd being told it would be an hour wait, but found availability on open table within 15 minutes.
(4)Alex R.
After several fabulous brunches in the past year, I finally made it to Perennial for dinner! This place, a straight-from-the-farm, seasonal-produce-obsessed ditty has the advantage of being steps away from the Green City Market. I have high expectations from BOKA group, and unfortunately, this time, they weren't really met. Service was good. My friend and I had two people waiting on us at all time, which was nice, but there were still some lapses where we found ourselves waiting. No big deal, really, but on a Monday, well...eh. Our server's food knowledge was good, but, at the same time, I didn't ever feel certain I was getting the most from the menu. Onto the food. Basically, I was a little confused. It was the second week in September. Aren't tomatoes still in their late season? I didn't see a single tomato on the menu. For what I consider late summer, this menu seemed rather early winter, with lots of pickle-y, vinegar-y flavors. Of the five dishes we ordered, 3 of them were SPICY. Heat seemed to be the main element. It was downright curious. Perennial will still be my favorite brunch spot with out of town guests. I'll be rather hesitant to return for dinner anytime soon.
(3)Sandy R.
Went to PV for brunch and loved every bite from the yummy bloody Mary to the delicious housemade sausage and bacon. Don't pass up the home fries with cheese curds. It's an upscale brunch at affordable prices.
(4)Lisa L.
4.5 stars and the best meal I ate on a recent visit to Chicago. The service is excellent and the understated elegant vibe was the perfect way to start a girls' night out. We shared the asparagus salad and soft shell crab salad to start and ordered the grilled rainbow trout and pan seared whitefish for entrees, the latter of which was mine. It is rare that I'll eat every single bite on my plate, but I was not going to let a single bit of the delicate white fish, buttered rice, white apsaragus with tasso ham and a little watercress topping go to waste. My friends felt the same way about their plates as well. Both apps were well balanced in flavor and textures.
(5)EV G.
Loved this place! Kind of noisy sitting outside, but its summer in the city. Food was fantastic - for an appetizer we got pork, for entrees the short ribs for my husband and gnocchi for me. All was fantastic, but the gnocchi - outstanding! Literally melted in my mouth, could eat a big giant bowl of this. The only problem I had was the portions were rather small - so much so that we ordered yet another entree to split in lieu of dessert - chicken sausage dish which was also wonderful but very very spicy so beware if you have a sensitive palate.
(4)Brooke P.
Cannot say enough good things about this place. We went in a group of 7 as part of the second city preferred seating deal. Basically, you got to one of 5 restaurants and you get to sit close at the show. The sample menu differed from what Pernnial had when we got there (based on their updating menu frequently to frequent in season items). We didn't see the fine print from second city that menus are subject to change. Perennial still honored the old menu and was very flexible with us. The perrogies with apricot app, goat entree, and fritters dessert were AMAZING!
(5)Susan R.
This restaurant seems to not know what it is. It looked upscale online but was very casual in person. I went there this morning with a group of 8. The interior and prices led me to believe it was a nicer brunch spot in Lincoln Park. Our group dressed in dresses and were completely overdressed. Most people there were clad in shorts, T-shirts and flip flops!! It seemed to be the neighborhood brunch place to go if you live in Lincoln Park and under 40. Our group of 8 sat inside, as the patio was full. I ordered the PV Omelete ($ 12 ) which was very small and it came with two tiny pieces of toast. The toast was slightly burnt and the omelette was bland. Our party agreed their egg dishes( omelets, skillets) were bland, hence the "where's the salt and pepper?" Requests after a few bites. Everyone said their meal was just okay. One of our party ordered the French toast and he said it was wonderful. We were jealous!! My friend heard they had bacon jam and asked for a little side to try-they brought her a ramekin. Later, she noticed she was charged $3.00 for it on the bill. The server was attentive and we had valet parked which was needed in that busy neighborhood. It was 11 dollars for 4 hours or less. The food was marginal and portions small. I don't think I will return. Better options in the city.
(2)Yasmine K.
Such fresh food! We came here based on a friend's recommendation during a recent trip to Chicago. This place was fairly close to the Second City venue. We had the rice with cheese curd dish, smoked fish with pasta, and sweet potato pie with marshmallows. Mmmm, I still dream about that sweet potato pie! However, they do change their menu regularly, according to the waitress. Nice that they served local craft beer :)
(5)Amy M.
Perennial Virant completely exceeded my expectations. Just had a seriously delicious brunch with a girlfriend, and we were both completely wowed by the experience. This is farm fresh at it's best. If you are a fan of farm to table cooking and seasonal menu changes, you are going to love this place. We started with the housemade zucchini bread with plum compote and creme fraiche. Wow. Wow. Wow. I would have killed to have walked home with a loaf of bread and a jar of the plums... I moved on to the sirloin chicken fried steak (I'm from texas... I've NEVER seen a chicken fried steak here in Chicago... so right away, I was super excited) My friend had the omelette.... we were not disappointed... my steak was tender with a little bit of crunch, nestled atop some yummy grits.... my friends omelette was so damn fresh and tasty, it wouldn't surprise me if the eggs were laid that morning. We ended our meal with fresh berries, cream and a rosemary shortbread. I've never had a rosemary shortbread before.... it totally rocked. It was a tad bit savory, so when you combined it with the fresh berries and the cream, it balanced perfectly. Finally... John our server was fantastic!! I'm a server myself, so when I get great service, I like to call it out. Thanks for a great brunch Perennial Virant!!! I'll be back for dinner very soon.......
(5)Peter S.
I made a reservation at Perennial Virant on Opentable and wrote into the comment box that we would be celebrating our anniversary there that night. It took me 3 seconds to mention that fact and the restaurant responded with a seemingly incredible amount of effort. We had no less than 5 people congratulate us on our anniversary, personalized deserts, personalized wine glasses, and decorations on our table. The effort was very much appreciated. The food itself did not disappoint in the least. There are Michelin star restaurants in Chicago who do less with a fall menu than Chef Virant. It's really easy to do "seasonal" food in Spring, but to make your guests feel like they are enjoying an incredible non-Thanksgiving themed fall menu in November is admirable. We ordered 8 courses and had 0 losers, which is awesome for a small plates concept restaurant. I would highly suggest Perennial Virant for random foodies and explorative couples alike. As an afterthought, their wine list is plenty sufficient but their beer list is top notch.
(5)Paul T.
Had dinner here before the Grace Potter concert at Park West. The night was cold and the winter menu was in full effect. It was a great experience, despite the weather. Need to get back since the weather has improved and enjoy the scenery in addition to the excellent food.
(5)Andy S.
I dined here on a recent Saturday evening in a group of 4; our server was knowledgeable about the menu, and made multiple checks with the kitchen to ensure that my friend with food allergies was properly accommodated and knew what was in every dish. Everyone ordered several plates (it is a small plate style restaurant); the carnoli rice and the gnocchi were standouts to me; the beef loin main course was excellent except for the fried toast, which seemed like it was kind of thrown on there as an afterthought, and was not especially good. I definitely plan on returning in the future.
(4)Crystal L.
Never been to a restaurant where the bartender says they can't make you anything fr there cocktail menu at lunch until dinner. Being a restaurant professional myself that just was a little shocking. Also being told dessert is unavailable until dinner service. All in all left a bad taste in mouth. Don't think I'll be going there again.
(1)L B.
We really had a great dinner here last night. Every dish was fantastic. I loved that they had a specialty mocktail on the menu, much appreciated since I'm currently pregnant and not drinking. It was inventive, flavorful, and NOT a sickeningly sweet concoction like you usually find in restaurants. My husband also thought his grown up cocktail was excellent. Then, we had the jar snacks appetizer, which last night was some sort of potato and vegetable spread topped with more pickled veggies. It came with fried sourdough bread, which was a great contrast. We also had a salami and apple salad that was lovely. For our entrees, I had the veal shank and my husband had the beef loin. I don't generally love veal but this was really luscious, and the polenta it sat on had incredible flavor. (It had a tasty gremolata on top but I wouldn't have really missed it, personally.) My husband said his beef was probably one of the best beef dishes he's ever had. Then for dessert we had their kind of deconstructed key lime pie, which was also amazing. The service was spot on. Our server was friendly and extremely knowledgeable, and all her recommendations were spot-on. Even the server assistant was fantastic and anticipated our needs in a way that really added value to the meal. Overall, I was very impressed with the space, the food, and the service. I can't wait to return when I have no drinking and dining restrictions! :)
(5)Dina I.
I love the space and it's makeover since Chef Virant took over. The food was a-ok.
(3)T L.
First time here since they reopened with new Chef Paul Virant in charge of the kitchen. Food was excellent and service outstanding. You have a choice of a prix fixe dinner for $37 or you can assemble your own menu with a nice selection of "small plates" to share. We went the shared plate route. We had the asparagus, field greens, the scallops, gnocchi, and chicken fried steak. We're not doing the food descriptions justice here because we didn't take notes. We were too busy enjoying the food, and we just opened our Yelp account this morning so we weren't contemplating writing a review either. Our writing is usually long on story, short on details. We could spend 5 minutes talking about the gal sitting behind us with overly highlighted hair, wearing a leopard spotted, off the shoulder dress. L thought she looked like Wilma Flintstone and T thought she was more the Betty Rubble type. Anyway, future review will be more detailed, we promise. Suffice it to say that Perennial Virant is a WINNER. Oh yeah, get the pound cake for dessert.
(5)Kerry L.
My husband and I came here for a weeknight dinner while in town for business. Beautiful setting, pleasant and laid-back staff, but the 5 stars really goes to the food. We ordered the sea bass (very appropriate entree size, though not gigantic so keep this in mind and get the delicious starters), gnuti, and ham hock beignets, as well as the charcuterie plate. Everything was outstanding,
(5)Michael D.
I had heard many good critiques about Perennial Virant but had never dined there. So on a recent Sunday evening during Restaurant Week in Chicago my wife and I took the opportunity to try it. It is located in the Lincoln Park / Old Town area that is a very vibrant part of the city. The restaurant is well designed and nicely decorated. We showed up about one-half hour before our 5:45 p.m. reservation and were warmly greeted by the hostess Megan. We opted to have before-dinner drinks at the bar and learned that a variety of uniquely mixed drinks were available. I tried one and it was excellent. Before finishing, we asked to be seated and Meagan immediately led us into the east dining room, helping us carry our remaining drinks. We were given a choice of tables and we elected to be seated at a one adjacent to the east wall having large windows and a view of Lincoln Park, which was very comfortable. Although the restaurant's web site had advertised two prix fixe menus, one for $33 and the other for $44, we were advised that only the $33 menu was available. This menu was basically the $44 menu with changes, for the most part, regarding the first courses. This turned out to be a good idea because it gave us a better array of choices. The meal turned out to be a big hit. We started with the pariseinne gnocchi and the carnaroli rice, which were additions to the fixed menu. For our first course my wife had the featured salad with the tomato vinaigrette and I had the squash soup. We both had the white fish for our entrées. For dessert my wife had the chocolate cake and I had the crepe stuffed with apples. All the food was fresh, well prepared, and flavorful. The appetizers, soup and salad were standouts. I thought the fish was delicious. Although my wife liked the fish, she felt that the accompanying sauce had a somewhat "smoky" flavor not to her liking. We both thought that the desserts were good but did not measure up to the quality of the rest of the meal. With our dinner we were served the multi-grain house bread that was hearty, warm, crispy-crusted and sensational. Our wait staff was led by Andrew who was professional and efficient. He was backed up by Mike who was equally skilled and very friendly. I commented to Mike how much we enjoyed the bread, and he related that it was baked on the premises. I asked him if it was sold commercially and when he said no, I said that I was disappointed. Just before leaving Andrew placed a small shopping bag on our table, saying that it was a complimentary loaf of their bread provided Mike. As we were about to exit Megan chatted with us about our dinner. We told her that we had a great time and looked forward to coming back. She then provided me with gift card for a price reduction for their Saturday and Sunday brunch. Overall, we enjoyed our first time at Perennial Virant very much. The prix fixe food rated a solid four and one half stars but because the service was exceptional (particularly from Mike and Megan), I give the overall dining experience five stars. We will be returning very soon to check out the regular menu.
(5)Alexis H.
This place is as good as you'd expect it to be, but what I didn't expect was how reasonably priced the brunch was. If you're low on funds, try it on a Sunday morning. Their coffee is also really, incredibly good.
(5)Jeff R.
From an outside perspective it would be hard to recognize anything new at Perennial unless you inspected the menu. The layout is pretty much the same with the great outdoor patio across from the park. And the building length signs still read "Perennial." But that's the point I suppose - a mulligan on the original Perennial with a new chef and new vision. I really liked looking over the menu. They do the very "in" multi-section by plate size separation (small, medium and large) with "an emphasis on sharing plates." There's plenty to choose from but the menu feels small and approachable with many familiar items. My focus was on both small and large plates with a curious indifference to the medium section. We tried five things and found they all came out with relative consistency. Nothing was earth shattering or amazing but there were some interesting flavors. My biggest takeaway was a feeling of goofiness. A strange adjective for a restaurant but each plate reminded me of a trouble making fourth grader - some good intentions inside but not sure there is any organized direction. Maybe it works for most people but even though most everything was "good", there is not anything I would call memorable or would rush back to have again. We had a nice meal outside under the heat lamp enjoying the lincoln park atmosphere (especially since moving across town), with attentive service and reasonable prices. The three "small" plates we ordered were the sweet corn salad, spring bean cassoulet (I think) and server recommend carnaroli rice. Erica and I both really liked the corn salad for its summery freshness and tastiness. The string bean dish sounded great on paper but couldn't quite figure out the flavor pairings. There was melted Gruyere cheese, string beans and fried onions. It was ok but a weird combination. The rice dish was like a grilled grilled cheese style risotto. That's the best description I can think of - cheesy rice in between two layers of fried rice. Very interesting and unique with pretty tasty flavors. The two large dishes we ordered were the ravioli and grilled fish (not the one on the menu but a substitute I don't remember). What surprised me the most was that I really wanted to try to the spare ribs but those were unavailable. [Side note: I don't quite understand how something on the menu for that night could be unavailable. Most places I know with adaptive menus print them the day of. I would be shocked if that morning they didn't realize there wasn't enough spare ribs to go around? Or how did it get to that point, it was a Tuesday night and at a reasonable hour of 8. Just surprising.] Other menu items that looked appealing included a pork loin, gnocchi, beef loin and salmon dish. The fish dish (whitefish or trout) was very well cooked and very lightly seasoned. It came with hush puppies, also tasty, but kind of random. I liked the ravioli more than Erica did but I do agree that the sauce (an onion, brown sugary concoction?) was strong and unusual. We had a nice meal for pretty good value. The flavors are interesting and mostly satisfying but seem to come from all over the place. I like the concept and the menu but I bet it would benefit from some more thought in preparation before it hits the table.
(3)Angie C.
So glad this place reopened - still a fan! Had a delightful girls day brunch, complete with perfectly chilled rose champagne and wonderful brunch dishes. The beignets with caramel dipping sauce are sinfully perfect, sweet and salty bundles of joy - and worth every calorie! Definitely coming back soon to try our their dinner menu.
(4)Jennifer L.
My husband and I were at Perennial Virant for New Year 's Eve dinner (delayed review, I'm sorry!). The menu was price fixe, but every course was amazing. I had the Parisian gnocchi, the chestnut soup, the beef short ribs and the lemon tiramisu. The gnocchi was a standout among the already excellent meal... I could easily have ordered only that and been delighted. The cocktails were also quite good - I had the seasonal punch, which at that time was a cherry tequila. Not a combination I expected, but somehow it tasted just like Christmas! The service was also very pleasant, happy to assist but not pushy in any way. We enjoyed the experience immensely, and will certainly return to sample the full menu.
(5)Emily M.
I had been here several times for brunch back when it was Perennial. I had the most delicious breakfast dish I'd ever had in my life in the short rib hash and was frustrated when they took it off the menu because it was "out of season," only to see that it never reappeared after a full year.... (The local thing is great, but shouldn't it come back into season at some point?!?!) It's a different chef, so I shall never again have the short rib hash with poached egg and red wine jus, but I digress. When I arrived, I sat at the bar when I arrived since my date was late (tsk, tsk!) and the bartender made for pleasant conversation. Not only that, but he proceeded to tell me a bit about the menu, the chef, and the recent transition. He told me that this is the first restaurant at which he'd worked where he could stand behind every dish. After moving on to dinner, I was not disappointed! To begin, it was a lovely night for the patio, and had the Chicago wind not gotten in the way, it would have been an ideal al fresco dining experience. I'd definitely recommend sitting on the patio if you get the chance. To begin, my date suggested we get two small plates, two medium plates, two large plates, and the full smorgasbord of desserts. Needless to say, we did not finish the entire offering, but everything was excellent! My favorite dish of the evening was the small plate combining rice and cheese curds. It was essentially a cheesier version of a risotto with a crispy crust... Absolutely delicious. We also had the corn salad, which was delicious. For the medium plates, we had the scallops, which was my date's favorite dish and rivaled the rice for mine. We also had gnocchi with bacon and broccoli. It had that thick bacon that I absolutely adore, and the gnocchi's texture was sublime, but I could've done without the broccoli. In the thick, creamy sauce it got too soft and almost reminded me a bit of the bacon doused in cheese you got for school lunch as a kid. (Sorry, chef! Hate to say that, but the broccoli was really the only downside of the meal, and I could work around it.) For the large dishes, we had a pork dish that had some apples and onions, as far as I can remember. (By that point, there had been several glasses of wine.) The other large dish is escaping me at the moment, but it was yummy as well. Overall, I'd definitely recommend it with 4.5 stars. For fine dining, the place has to be pretty much perfect for me to give it a 5, but I can see this place making the list in future visits. Looking forward to checking it out for brunch! Although I don't know if I'll ever get over the heartache of saying goodbye to my beloved short rib hash...
(4)Chris B.
It was very delicious, the service was great, and the ambiance is very upscale. I accidentally went during Chef's Week and was surprised that the only thing I could order was a pricey 3 course meal. I was on a date and not meaning to impress her that much. But that' really my fault for not checking ahead of time. All is forgiven and we had a wonderful time. Definitely will be back.
(4)Glen W.
Exactly the sort of New American food that I find to be stuffy, overpriced and bland.
(3)Craig R.
By far one of my favorite bars/restaurants in all of Chicago. Admittedly, we've never sat anywhere except at the bar itself, but we have eaten all sorts of items from all over the menu! The real draw for me is the bar staff. Wesley, Rachel and Izzy run the bar here and they are an amazing combination! Super fun to talk to, incredibly knowledgeable and full of all sorts of new drinks to try if you like trying out cocktails. Definitely visit Perennial, you won't be disappointed. PS - If you are looking for shots of Fireball, they don't have it so don't order it :).
(5)Giovanni G.
To say that this restaurant is amazing in every way would be, by far, a complete understatement! Our waitress Maria guided me through the menu (like me she's a pescetarian), and even selected a drink for me to have which perfectly complemented my meal. Altogether it was one of those experiences where you didn't want any of the dishes to ever end. I can't wait to be back.
(5)Lauren G.
My review is for brunch. I've been to Perennial twice on busy Saturdays because it's a great starting point for the Green City Farmer's Market. The food is fresh and the setting is comfortable. Service is somewhat annoying (too much!). I always like what I've ordered (farm fresh veggie omelettes, heavy cheese grits, homemade sausage, fried potatoes and cheese curds, donuts), but nothing really seems exceptional. Which, for $30 including a coffee and mimosa, is a good start to a Saturday. Hence the 3 stars, A-OK.
(3)Kate J.
The food was amazing. I had the scallops and they were perfect. However, there was a hair in one of the dishes. Our server took the dish away without asking if my friend wanted another one. They brought another one after everyone had finished eating. She didn't want another one anyways. I was with a group of 6 others for a birthday dinner. Our service was bad, unfortunately. We were never asked if we wanted a second round of drinks. Our server was MIA a lot. She was very knowledgable about the menu when we had questions before we ordered but the overall experience was lackluster.
(3)Nate M.
I had dinner here with some coworkers and had a wonderful time. This place is great for large groups so if you need some space this is it. Good service as well. Our server described the main course options so well I almost ordered the asparagus dish (I hate asparagus!) Instead I went with the scallops. They were pan seared, very juicy, and served with a potato mash. Very good and quite a lot of food as well. The water is served European style - cold but no ice. Something that has grown on me in recent years. Love it!
(5)Kristian D.
My good Chicago friend and I had a late brunch here during the Air & Water Show. We arrived without reservations and did not have to wait long for a table in this modern, hipster farm-to-fork restaurant near Lincoln Park. The restaurant is situated on the corner of the hotel overlooking the street and park. Before brunch, I imbibed a wonderful seasonal mimosa with cranberry and other deliciousness that was refreshing after spending the morning sweating under the jets. Once our table was ready, I immediately spotted the fried chicken sandwich with home fries and cheese curds. Yes please. Unfortunately, the fried chicken sandwich was a little lackluster, but the awesomeness of the cheese curds coated in the local Chicago sriracha was more than enough to tip the scales. This place is on to something. I would definitely come back here and would encourage others to make this already popular place even much more so. Grab an artisanal cocktail, ask about the farmer's heritage seeds, bask under the Edison bulbs, and have a great time.
(4)Whitnee R.
A pleasant dining experience in the windy city. Tasty dishes, an attentive staff, and located inside one of the cutest hotels in town, Perennial Virant is a vibrant brunch spot that is a good place to take friends, family, and Fido alike. The atmosphere is bright and airy on the inside, but if you're feeling like a little sunshine, they have outdoor seating and a cozy side patio. My guests and I (plus their pup) chose high-rise seating on the patio, and the staff was quick to give little Freddie a bowl of fresh water and house-made dog treats. Always a plus when all parties, two-legged or four, are well taken care of. As far as the menu goes, it was a little limited - especially from a vegetarian's point of view. I went with the mushrooms and grits, which was all in all a very tasty dish, but a bit one-noted in its earthy flavor. I did, however, sneak a few cheese curds and hash from my fiance's plate - thoroughly enjoyed. How can you go wrong with a side of cheese and potatoes? Trick question, yelpers. You can't. Lastly, the price point for dish is a little steep - I'd recommend trying only if you're looking to spend a little more than the average buck.
(3)Casey F.
I dined here last weekend with my husband and parents, who were in town to celebrate my birthday. We decided on dinner at Perennial Virant since it had been on my radar for quite awhile but I had not yet been. We were seated a few minutes early for our 8pm reservation and elected to sit on the patio, which was lovely. Great atmosphere and the location provides superb people watching. We ordered 3 appetizers: a selection of 3 charcuterie, which they make in-house, the fried pickles, and the lamb cabbage rolls. 45 minutes after ordering, our first app showed up. The charcuterie was fine, nothing special, however noticeably small. We each got 1 bite of each meat. Since when is a charcuterie board served as an amuse? Cabbage rolls were up next and were quite good. Really nice flavor and probably the highlight of our meal. We anticipated the pickles would be arriving shortly, however all that came next was a significant wait. The wait for our entrees was nothing short of absurd. Fast forward upwards of 30 minutes and our food finally arrives, after we'd spent the entire time anxiously glancing at every passer-by, hoping they would deliver our meals. We found it odd that we received our entrees before our final appetizer, but we were starved and weren't going to complain - we just wanted to eat. At the table we ordered: Walleye Pork Porterhouse Diver Scallops Chicken Ballotine The pork was by far the best dish - biggest portion and cooked very well - juicy and tender. My walleye was good but non-memorable. (In fact as I write this 1 week later I'm not even sure that was the fish I got). The diver scallops were tiny. Normally when you order scallops, they are plump and substantial. The only time I've seen scallops this small is when they were frozen. My dad's chicken was small and he said absolutely flavorless. Dinner plates were cleared, and only then did we inquire about the pickles. By that point we did not want them, but just wanted to mention that they should not be on the bill. We let our server know we didn't get them, and her response was "Did you order them with me?". Yes. "Really?" Between the charcuterie and the cabbage rolls. She even repeated them as she supposedly wrote them down. We didn't care that much that we didn't get them, but her response was just in bad taste. Just own up to your mistake and apologize. They did take one of the apps off our bill as a result, which was nice. I was disappointed with my experience at PV. The food was non-memorable at best and bland and tiny at worst. Not worth the time we spent waiting for any of it to come out and we all left hungry. Service left a bad taste in our mouths. Also worth noting that the restroom is shared with the hotel and is in the lobby. The restroom was dirty and I had to wait in line behind six drunk girls who were waiting to gain admission to The J. Parker upstairs. Not exactly on par with the type of experience I imagine management wants you to have while dining. All of that said, I had a great time at dinner but that had everything to do with the company and very little to do with the restaurant.
(2)Susie C.
We came here for dinner on a Sunday early evening at 5pm. It was very quiet - the 3 of us were probably one of the three tables there. This is pretty early for dinner though. Service was good. Our waiter was very nice. The restaurant interior is nice - I like the modern and decor inside. It's funny how our dinner lasted for 1.5 hours..our dinner time would have been longer if we ordered dessert but we were in a hurry so we had to get a cookie to go. We started with the potato gnocchi and their green salad. The salad was big portion - I love the chewy croutons. The gnocchi was really good. Love the sauce. Comes with sweet corn and bacon..yum!!! Love this dish.For entree I had the salmon. It was pretty good. I really enjoy the sauce in my dish as well. Perennial makes the best sauce for their entree. My husband ordered their grilled pork porterhouse which he really enjoyed. Lots of meat and it was delish. My friend had their chicken ballotine which he enjoyed as well. The sauce in these dishes make it really good. We concluded with cookie to go which was soft, warm, and yum! The only complaint I have with Perennial is the amount of flies by our table. It was annoying...there were about 4-6 flies flying around our table..The waiter said they made the mistake of opening the windows for brunch that bugs flew in through and stayed in.
(4)Mei K.
Great place for brunch with the girls since they take reservations and offer outdoor seating. I can't even begin to describe how delicious the sticky bun was. If a pecan pie ever made sweet love to a cinnamon bun, their baby would be the sticky bun. Sweet, gooey, pecany, yummy. That should not even be legal.. Not going to lie, the biscuit and gravy looked pretty watery/translucent but it was still good. I just wished they didn't sprinkle salt on top because I'd get some bites that were way too salty.
(4)Shane E.
3 things I liked about Perennial: 1. The outdoor patio is amazing. It really is an incredible spot given the views of Lincoln Park and the lake. It was a perfect day outside and honestly this is what made the experience worthwhile. 2. Pleasant staff. 3. Nice selection of craft brews and a pretty extensive wine list as well. 2 Things I didn't like: 1. Why does Six Flags charge $800 for a sandwich and $50 for a napkin? Because you're there and they can. Why do banks charge ATM fees? Because you're already there and they can. Why does Perennial charge $20 for a burger? Because you're there and they can. I'm a free market guy, and if they can get away with it, great for them. That said, no one at my table was wow-ed by anything they ordered. Maybe I'll have to give the food another chance... 2. Slow. Service.
(3)David M.
Great light food. This place is low guilt and I have to say surprising. Fresh, farm to table. we had a the cheese and meat plates to start. Very good, expensive but isn't it everywhere. They cure their own meats and have a very interesting selection of options to include. For my entree I had perhaps one of the most flavorful and pork porterhouse's (is that a word) that I have ever had. I would come back just for that.
(4)K M.
I just have to say, when I first arrived I wasn't sure what to expect. I didn't see anything on the menu that popped, and I really wanted surf and turf for an anniversary dinner and didn't see anything close on the menu. Deciding to move on to a new location after a drink and snack, we picked "The Rhub" and "The Bear" as our cockatils and "The Beef Loin." First, we were really happy with our drinks which were not weak but didn't taste too strong (props to the bartender). Next, they didn't blink at the thought of us sharing a meal which is nice because we told them we were going to move on after the drink and meal. Finally, the food was awesome! Tender, thoughtfully cooked, and they even brought us a complementary anniversary dessert which was cute. Our server, Jill, was really on point too. Fun and friendly, casual enough to keep it all happy but really on point with her attentiveness. Thanks for the good experience!
(5)Gwen D.
Brunch in bullets. + I'm all about farm-to-table feasts with seasonal ingredients and pickles 'n preserves. + Only an inspired chef can make a show-stopping omelette! Stuffed whipped chevre and pesto, topped with apples, pickled beets, and thinly-sliced smoked pork loin, and served with homefries and cheese curds on the side. + Make a reservation ahead of time on OpenTable! + I love the location on the sunny first floor of the vintage-inspired Hotel Lincoln, with mid-century furniture I wish I could use in my own apartment. (Pop into the funky florist A New Leaf across the street afterward!) - I was a little frustrated that my coffee cup went unfilled for most of the meal.
(4)Kitt R.
I was very underwhelmed with the dishes. We started with a lamb cabbage roll dish. It was too salty but it was the best dish. I had the pork tenderloin. It was lacking in flavor. My friend had the steak. It was also lacking in flavor. The portion sizes are large and the atmosphere is nice.... But I don't recommend it.
(3)Monique B.
A girlfriend and I met here for brunch one weekend and had the most enjoyable time. The ambiance was cozy and comfortable. The food was delicious. For brunch you have to have the sticky bun to share. I also got the homemade sausage and ate my plate clean. Breakfast was leisurely and our waitress was attentive, but did not rush us on our way. Overall, a great place for brunch with friends.
(4)Lloyd L.
I keep coming back to this place. It wins on all levels : food, ambiance, location, service. Casual and trendy at the same time, and great for everyone, whether you're dining alone, or with a friend, or with a big group.
(5)Crystal R.
My girlfriend and I practically live here on the weekend for brunch. They are always changing their menu and introducing new dishes. If you haven't already, try the pull pork sandwich! SO good!!!
(5)Carolyn T.
Three of us had a reservation here for Saturday brunch. My friends arrived before me and Perrenial Virant had no issues seating them immediately after arriving (I was 10 minutes late). My friends ordered mimosas and they were pleased. I decided to forego a drink because I couldn't justify the price of a $9 flute. I'm also not big on drinking in the morning (or in general). My friends were a little concerned initially after perusing the menu because they know I don't eat meat. Luckily, there was a delicious-sounding French toast on the menu that kept me satisfied. Even if there had been other vegetarian-friendly options, I probably would have gone with this dish anyway. That being said, I do enjoy feeling like I'm making a choice in what I order and I didn't really have that here. This is the main reason I deducted a star--entirely subjective and based on my personal preference. Of course, all reviews are! My french toast was amazing. It pretty much knocked my socks off. It reminded me a bit of the french toast offered at The Publican--but better. It had some kind of heavy cream on it and little twirly sugar-covered cookies (I know that's not the technical term for them) on the sides. They brought out butter and jam to the table, so I thought that perhaps they would give us complimentary brioche. I then realized these items were meant for my friends' dishes, both of which contained bread. There was absolutely no need to add any sort of butter or flavored syrup to my dish because it came perfect as is. I definitely want to come back for dinner and dessert in the future. If I'm pleased with the vegetarian option, then Perrenial Virant easily gets bumped to five stars. We had a fantastic experience and our waitress was really friendly, helpful, and efficient. Note: The bathrooms are difficult to find. You have to leave the restaurant toward the hotel to find them. I had to ask for directions twice.
(4)Belle L.
BRUNCH...A taste above bland. Hit and Miss when it comes to flavor and price. Brunch Omelet ($13) -- borderline bland especially when you don't get some of the filler. A ok. Home Fried were crunchy and a bit hard. Addition of cheese curd didn't add anything to dish flavor. Skillet ($12) -- a better option. Flavor is much balanced and prominent. Just right portion. Coffee -- La Colombe bottomless for $3.50. Brioche -- two thumbs up to Chef for putting this on menu. A risky strong sour flavor with a hint of sweet. Unique. Service and Venue -- Informative. Friendly. Knowledgeable. Prompt. Clean. Comfy outdoor chairs. Nice outdoor seating to enjoy Lincoln Park.
(3)Melissa C.
I've been here several times. Only bad service once. All other times, including today with David, service has been great. And as always the food is wonderful. We recommend this place to everybody!
(5)Emann B.
Went for brunch and had the specialty doughnut (four stars), followed by the PV Omelette which was quite forgettable. The potatoes had likely been sitting on the flat top too long, and there was nothing in the omelette except chevre and pesto. Where was the pork loin and vegetables? And the bread on the side was toasted. But nothing on it. Had to ask for butter and jam. At a restaurant of this calibre, shouldn't that just be automatically placed on the table? The charmless server didn't help. What a disappointment.
(2)Liz W.
Great experience with our attentive and professional server, Danny. Sat outside in their beautiful patio area that is both enclosed enough to not feel like you are in the middle of a sidewalk, but open enough to remind you of being in downtown Chicago. I was with a more high-maintenance friend who had a few very specific requests. Our server, Danny, handled it beautifully giving knowledgeable and accurate suggestions. For example, we were going to order the Asparagus Salad, but my friend wanted to know the width of the asparagus claiming that the thin ones tasted very different than the thicker. Although I thought this was a peculiar question, Danny knew exactly what my friend was talking about and instead recommended the Asparagus soup knowing what taste preferences he was seeking. It was incredibly fresh with a paired crème fraiche to balance out the flavors. Great suggestion! We also ordered the Lettuce Salad, the Goat's Milk Ricotta Gnudi, the Beef Tartar, and the Grilled Pork Porterhouse. Everything was wonderful, but my favorite was the Gnudi. It was cooked perfectly, with a light crunch on the outside and a light but gooey goodness inside! My friend's favorite was probably the Porterhouse, although he loved the Lettuce Salad which had an amazing pickled tomato vinaigrette. After having a couple delicious cocktails (especially the __ Bear, I don't remember the whole name), Danny knew I wanted to switch to something lighter and putting the decision in his hands, he brought me a crisp, light, but flavorful Rose that was the perfect complement to the meal. I highly recommend this restaurant, and urge you to request Danny when you go!
(5)Marios D.
Had a large group dinner a few days ago. Nice setting and very trendy spot. We were seated quickly and had some water to start. Wine and cocktail service was a little slow but eventually picked up. We had one person serving us but there was a lot of help so it also eventually worked out but could have been more efficient. Food was very tasty and presentation was excellent. Portions more on the smaller side. Ingredients felt, looked and tasted very fresh. Wine list was narrow but we found both a nice and well priced white and red (both French). The first course was a pickled perch salad with some rye crisp, providing both taste and texture, not to mention colors, when the carrots etc are taken into account. Reminiscent of ceviche but the fish was very firm and the creme fraische added more complexity. Definitely a light and refreshing start. This was followed by a rice cake which was fried, with cheese and a spring onion vinaigrette. A more dense dish but tasty - the cheese was needed to provide some depth and also more of the salty taste, with the vinaigrette providing the balance of taste. The grilled beef loin was the entree and the bed of greens, warm potato and blue cheese worked very nicely to allow for the saltiness of the blue cheese to draw out the taste of the beef, while the greens were absolutely needed to balance the dish. Overall very tasty. We had some cheeses at the end, and the candied nuts and jams were a great accompaniment. There was a lack of some kind of cracker or crisp item to accompany the cheese. Local fresh cheeses though which were very tasty. Worth a visit. Be patient.
(4)Nicole W.
Pretty disappointing for the price. The place was not crowded but service was slow. The waitress was good when she was there, but I felt like we waited a long time in general. I got the seared scallops and they were cooked well but the whole dish was WAY too salty. Like, my tongue was numb after I finished the meal. The cheese plate was fine, not amazing but good. The cheeses were tasty but I didn't think the variety was well planned -- all the cheeses were sort of similar and didn't really set each other off in any kind of complementary way. I know I sound ridiculous but, the cheese plate was $17. My friend got the trout and felt similarly - everything was just ok. Just didn't bowl me over. For $30+ a plate, I expect better. Wouldn't go back.
(2)Jen K.
This review is for the bar. Good service and selection! They had some Pappy Van Winkle to choose from for a decent price (some places in the city offer it up for $200 for the 23 yr, while this place had it for only $80). The bartender wasn't pretentious or rude about us inquiring about it or other whiskey/scotch/bourbons, like many bartenders are. I also had a drink called the Mosely...VERY good. It had bourbon, scotch, tea, lemon, and egg white. It was sweet, not too tart, a little earthy, with a good bourbon flavor that wasn't overwhelming. I would definitely order this again. Sad that we didn't eat here...this place is hot on the radar of places to eat these days, so I'm sure it would've been delicious. If the drinks and service were any indication of what the food/foodservice would be like, I'd say go for it.
(4)JW P.
The service here is superb and extremely friendly. The food tastes good as well, though it will depend on the season. My family and I walked in and were greeted immediately by the host, and guided to our table. It was a Friday morning but the restaurant was not busy at all, which I appreciated because a noisy busy space doesn't lend itself to quality time. The waiter was extremely helpful as we asked for his opinion on a few dishes. He gave us his recommendation and informed us that certain brunch menu items change up weekly based on seasonal ingredients. We ordered an egg skillet dish and the Hot Brown Skillet. I found the egg skillet to be too fragrant with way too much lemon, but this could be a seasonal ingredient (I'm guessing it was the sage). The Hot Brown Skillet was excellent and I would definitely order it again. Our waters, juices, and coffees were refilled promptly. Prices were very fair for the area too. There is no dress code here and I saw several people in ordinary jeans, so it is casual, but I wouldn't roll up in here after a morning jog (if you know what I mean). All in all, no major complaints. I would definitely come back again.
(4)Alex A.
Very cute location in the heart of Lincoln Park. I've passed by several times, so my family of 5 decided to celebrate Father's Day brunch at this location. The seasonal bellini was very interesting with rhubarb bitters. I wanted to love the donut, but it was very dense and chewy. I was sawing this thing with gusto trying to cut it in half. I also ordered the egg skillet which was overcooked and really more of an egg scramble. The potatoes and cheese curds were excellent.
(3)Kaley S.
Wow. Food: Awesome. Service: Impeccable. Drinks: Delicious. Ambiance: Classy but unpretentious. Concept: Beautiful. Menu: Seasonal with emphasis on local produce and preservation (pickled everything -- and charcuterie!) We were staying at the trendy, colorful, modern, eclectic, classy Lincoln hotel and went to dinner downstairs at the Perennial Virant. The chef is Paul Virant, and "perennial" refers to the seasonally changing menu. We sat at the bar at what turned out to be a slow weekday night, which turned out to be awesome for us. An in-training bartender named Drew originally started serving us, but when we started asking questions about liqueurs in the cocktails, as he tried to explain them, the more experienced Wesley jumped in and poured us little tastes -- a taste is worth a thousand words. From there, Wesley took over, answering our questions about their homemade pickles and charcuterie, and what farm they get their local produce from --- an indoor greenhouse in a huge warehouse in Chicago ran by at-risk youth. He was personable, knowledgeable, and damn can he shake a drink. He's an awesome bartender and he knew everything about the food as well! Best service ever, thanks Wesley, you made our night!!! The Good: Everything! Food! Service! Drinks! Ambiance! Seasonal menu! Homemade pickles! Local vegetables! They have beer, they have cocktails, they have beer cocktails! All their creative and unique drinks were tasty -- and we tried a few ;) ALL our food was delicious and amazing. Awesome professional yet personable service from our hilarious & knowledgeable bartender Wesley. We'd go back constantly if we lived in Chicago! I loved the ambiance -- the restaurant was clean and modern, classy but unpretentious. There were even couches (classy ones obviously) in one corner. One of those places you feel cool just sitting there. The Bad: the fact that we don't live in Chicago and can't go here all the time! The Food: Everything was incredible from salads to homemade chocolate chip cookies. Worst thing (and it's not that bad) was the homemade gnocchi dish, which was tasty but just super heavy for spring. When we ordered it, Wesley suggested another, lighter dish, so we got them both -- and he was very right! Perfect service -- instead of saying "oh that's not that good" or "get this instead" (or nothing at all) when he knew one dish was better than the one we ordered, he just offered a relevant opinion, and we ended up getting both dishes and really appreciating his input! The Service: Amazing, awesome, honest, hilarious, fun and professional service from our Chicago-native bartender Wesley. At one point he said "there's a red Power Ranger running down the street -- just so we all saw that" -- we turned around and there was in fact a guy in a red Power Ranger outfit (uniform?) running down the street. A special moment. The memories we made. Overall: Amazing, wonderful, unforgettable experience! So much fun, so many tasty drinks, so many delicious seasonal local fresh dishes! Pro tip: (applies to most restaurants but especially Perennial) Instead of sitting at a table, ordering entrees and leaving, sit at the bar -- you can usually order food there, and it's way more fun, relaxed and interactive. Get appetizers, share them, talk to the bartender, ask questions, taste stuff, enjoy yourself! And if you're at Perennial -- cross your fingers Wesley's working!
(5)Allison M.
Have eaten several dinners & brunches over the last 3 years at PV, but last night was our final straw here. Service good sometimes - other times not so good. Food hit or miss every time. For the money, the portions are absurdly tiny. My butternut squash soup was heavily salted (not hot at all) & $15 for a flask def not even a cup worth. $20 medium cooked hamburger? McDonald's is better for a buck. The onion rings were good, will give the plate that much. The heirloom salads are so small and at $15 a pop, not worth it. Everything is over salted and not piping hot. My chicken with sausage was great but was pink & running juice inside! Server swore it was cooked....For the money we spent (no alcohol drank) it's not happening again. We say it every time but last night sealed the deal.
(2)Chris W.
Perennial Virant (the other restaurant of Vie's Paul Virant) is a new American restaurant located across the street from Chicago's Lincoln Park at the base of the Hotel Lincoln. Virant's distinctives at Vie are replicated in this Lincoln Park area restaurant. It prides itself in being a farm-to-table type restaurant, meaning that you get the freshest ingredients every time . He and his team makes use of pickles, jams, or preserves appear in most dishes. This gives each dish a distinctive taste, all depending on what the pickling/preserving process was like. The meals have been described elsewhere as being "unfussy" and "straightforward" or even "simple." To some these latter descriptions would downgrade their opinion of the restaurant, but this shouldn't be the case. By keeping things simple Virant lets the flavors of each ingredient really pop. The service was great - though the host seemed a bit baffled when we walked through the hotel side of the entrance and also when we said we didn't have a reservation. They sat us pretty quickly, even though it was a Friday night. Our waiter was excellent, he was very knowledgeable and explained the menu and the dishes we chose in a detailed manner. My wife and I ordered: Pan Seared Arctic Char: grape aigre-doux, fermented carrots, beet puree, marinated golden beats, champagne vanilla vinnegrette. Grilled Pork Porterhouse: mashed carrot, apricot jam, turnips, cilantro, grilled pickled jalapenos, pork jus You can really pick out the flavors of each ingredient (except for the jalapenos, I couldn't taste those.) We also ordered several cocktails - one tequila based cocktail which tasted very much like apple pie. And another called a "surly bear" which was reminiscent of an old fashioned. Overall the experience was fantastic. The ambiance was casual but trendy. The service was friendly and the food was of top-notch quality. 9/10
(5)Jialing L.
Visited a few weeks ago while searching for brunch, especially a place that takes reservations. The restaurant is in a nice location and the interior decor is very modern with tons of natural lighting. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and my friends both ordered the PV omelet. General consensus was that the food was good and the portion sizes were decent. I enjoyed it but I'm not sure if I would go out of my way to come again.
(4)Birdie H.
What a lovely place to have a casual early dinner before a Second City show! Upon walking in the dining room had such a cool, clean, modern and hip feel. My boo and I hopped in a booth right next to the window. I went with a Grigio, he the Noir and we decided to share a few different small plates. The presentations were beautiful. There is clearly a lot of thought and attention to detail going on in that kitchen. We started with the tempura battered ramps - so in season, so perfectly done. We moved on to the local lettuce salad with some of the most delicious homemade croutons I've ever had! Also enjoyed the rice cakes with cheese curds, and perhaps my fave of the dinner portion - PICKLED BEANS. What! They do all their pickling in house too. Mind blown. Another goodie was the beef tartare with shoestring fries. I am SO happy we decided to share all of these small plates and taste a little bit of everything. There is clearly a lot of passion and love going into these recipes. But for me, the pièce de résistance of the entire night was the chèvre ice cream that accompanied the chocolate pave. Explicit explicit, profanity profanity, was that amazing. The service is definitely worth mentioning. Our waitress was so helpful and sweet. She helped us out when we weren't sure about certain things and had a lovely way about her. The bussers and managers were also so quick to please, but not in that annoying overbearing way. Their uniforms were super cool too! Love the ode to seasonal ingredients and f2t dining. Makes dinner a little more special than normal. I definitely recommend this hip spot for a casual date night, or even a fun group outing. I'll certainly be back when the weather is nicer and we can sit on the patio :) Thank you!
(4)Shambavi K.
It's a trendier hang out spot for groups. Our group of 5 came here for dinner Monday night and to entertain our out of town friend. It's a good vibe and food is new American. Service was very attentive and professional. We ordered everything to share: Cheese plate - I'd pass on this. it's local cheeses but I don't like goat or blue cheese so most of the plate was forgettable to me. Bone marrow - this came with 4 bone marrow pieces...with not much marrow to share. some of the bones hardly had any marrow to scoop out. Lamb meatballs - quite tasty scallops - this was great. The entrée had 5 scallops we just shared Garlic sausage - tasty but wasn't enough food to share If you are vegetarian, there was only 1 entrée on the menu but the restaurant does try to accommodate to make vegetarian versions of the shared plates.
(3)Brian S.
This review is for dinner on 3/28/15. We were a party of six. Each of us found the food way over salted, too over cooked, and generally mediocre. Given the price point (high, but quasi-understandable as it is a hotel restaurant,) there is no need to visit Perennial Virant when there are so many other options in the area. Few, if any vegetarian options (forget it if you're vegan.) Service was acceptable, if not slow. Wine choices rather limited. Unimpressed and won't return. Let this be a lesson: have pause if a restaurant has wide availability on OpenTable on Friday for a Saturday reservation.
(2)Jane W.
Compared to the general restaurant population, this place warrants a solid 4 stars. Compared to other restaurants of this caliber, I'd say it deserves a 3. I got to try a wide variety of their foods (3 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 side, and 2 mini desserts). - Cheese platter with blueberry preserve, candied walnuts, fruit and nut crostini, and chef's honey ($17): we got a selection of three cow's cheeses and they were all decent. None of them blew me away, but at least there wasn't one that was repulsive (yes, that's happened to me before during a $160 prie fix menu course). My favorite was the blueberry preserve, which had whole pieces of juicy, sweet blueberries. So good! The candied walnuts were also another favorite. - Goat Cheese Gnocchi with marinara, cotechino sausage, pickled spring garlic ($14): good, but not amazing. The gnocchi were little pillows of cheesy goodness, but the overall flavors of this dish were rather uninspired. - Flash fried baby artichokes: These were definitely good, but the exterior leaves of the artichokes were SO hard. It literally felt like I was chewing on woodchips (had to spit out a few of them). So that was a bit distracting. - Pan-Seared sea scallops with smoked beet puree, candied blood orange,champagne and vanilla vinaigrette, roasted escarole ($32): I adore scallops and rush to get them every time I see them on the menu. The $32 price tag made me hesitate this time, but figured might as well, and waited with high expectations. Maybe the flavors would blow my mind. Or maybe the scallops would be the size of my palm. Nope! I got three, medium sized scallops (basically each one was costing me $10), and they were good but DEFINITELY overpriced. - Grilled bone-in pork chop with fermented black bean puree, pickled tomatillo salsa verde, chow chow ($28): I tried a couple bites, and they were good. Solid flavors and the meat was tender. Definitely a more fairly sized portion than the scallops (still bitter about that). - As a side, we ordered the mashed potatoes with bone marrow butter: probably one of my favorite dishes of the night. So flavorful and rich, I would definitely have ordered my own if we didn't order so much food + I didn't want to clog my arteries - We ended the meal with a cookies and cream ice cream sandwich and 2 chocolate chip cookies: both good, but not anything particularly special. Service was definitely solid. Our waitress was quite knowledgable about the menu and checked in frequently without being intrusive. The interior is also wonderful - it doesn't give off too much of a snobby vibe that a lot of higher-end restaurants do. Rather, it was relaxed and almost felt like I was in a summer home on a breezy island (something about the color scheme and the curtains). Basically, food here is good. Not enough to justify spending this much money, but still solid. Hence, 3 stars overall.
(3)Kent B.
I am staying at the hotel in which this restaurant is located. So I decided to have dinner there , the first night. Sat at the bar. Bartender was Friendly. I can tell this is the place that attracts more of the hip crowd. The menu was an mix of meats and fish. I tried the cheese plate appetizer which was good and for the main course I tried the whitefish. The whitefish was cooked perfectly and was delicious. I can recommend this restaurant if you are staying at the Lincoln.
(5)Kelly W.
I came here last night for a drink with a girlfriend while we were waiting to get into the J Parker. I noticed that there were floating black bits (of what? God only knows) in my martini, so I returned to the bar and politely explained the problem. The bartender was very short with me, and asked if the black bits were from the lemon twist (???); she then snatched the drink from me, did not apologize for the fact that it was seemingly unclean, and remade the martini in a very rushed and careless manner--barely stirring it, which resulted in a lukewarm glass of gin. I truly haven't encountered service this disdainful and ungracious anywhere else in the city. I would have definitely come back to try to the food, after reading everyone else's reviews--but after my experience last night, I will not be back.
(1)Francesca R.
A Lincoln Park Place Treasure! Truly farm-to-table with hyper local fresh ingredients, and super knowledgeable staff about the sourcing and preparation of the menu, in a relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere. The Slagel Farm beef tartare was mind-blowingly good - a dusting of hardboiled yolk and micro greens, with a celery aioli and shoestring potatoes. The Charcuterie board was fabulous and the pickled root vegetables are very special. I look forward to going back - it could easily be a regular spot for me. XOXO!
(5)Claire F.
I recently went to Perennial for dinner for the second time, and actually had a better food experience than the first time. The difference was this time instead of each person ordering an entrée, we got a sampling of boards and appetizers. For my group of four adults we got the charcuterie board (5 items), cheese board, beef tartare (everyone's favorite), beef cheek pierogies, and Paris gnocchi. With these items, not only did everyone get enough to eat, but we were stuffed by the end. Part of this was due to the heavier dishes like the pierogies (2 pierogies in each order) and the gnocchi, but also because the boards not only come with the main items, but also spreads and mustards, causing us to eat our fair share of bread. My biggest recommendation is the beef tartare. It was so delicious and refreshing, and the celery root aioli complimented it perfectly. The pierogies were probably my least favorite, but that may have been because they came out last. The Midwestern cheese plate was a little sparse for the amount of cheese you got (three different varieties), so when going back I would likely not get that and perhaps get more items for the charcuterie board. When going there, I highly recommend getting many dishes to share, that way everyone can try different things and really delve into the specialties of Perennial, like the pickled veggies and pates. Go with adventurous friends, have a few drinks, and talk about all the interesting foods you are exploring.
(4)Gary G.
Perfectly fresh breakfast caught us by surprise. Fantastic Bloody Mary and impeccable service. Great location near the Zoo. No trouble ordering special requests for vegetarian and gluten-free eaters. Highly recommend.
(5)Sara H.
We had an EPIC dinner here last night to celebrate our friends' engagement. The service (thanks Kate!!) was amazing from hostess to waitress to busser. The food was fresh and imaginative with a lot of uses of pickled vegetables that were delectable and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Our meal started with the Grilled "LITTLE BLOOM on the Prairie", a whole wheel of camembert-style cheese, topped with blueberries served with decadent zucchini bread. The hints of lavender and maple syrup were amazing. Then our waitress sent out a Crispy Carnaroli RICE CAKE gratis becuase we had some confusion about the menu (our friend had thought there were gluten free bread/pasta options and there are not, BUT there are lots of GF options). This too was amazing. For mains we had: ~ Pan-Roasted CHICKEN BALLOTIN - a chicken leg/thigh deboned and stuffed (french style) with chicken sausage. YUM ~ Grilled Slagel Farm BEEF LOIN - better than any steak house, hands down ~ Suckling Pig SAUSAGE - everyone raved about the creamy grits it came with ~GREEN BEAN Salad + SUMMER SQUASH Salad - both great; Kate recommended the summer squash which had amazing flavors that I will not ruin by trying to describe to you here ;) What we loved most was our waitress, Kate's, deep knowledge of the food and drinks. She could tell us where all the food came from, a story about the winery for the wine we got, and even how The Mosley cocktail got it's name (hint: town in England, not character on How I Met Your Mother). With the price tag of our meal I would put this in the "special occasion" bucket. With that said, every day is special so make your reservations soon!!
(5)Michael P.
Went last night, the 4 stars come with an asterisk. Our server was a bit on the glum side, but I am guessing she was just having an off night. If it wasn't, she is not long for that job. Everyone else who helped her were very nice and attentive. Main thing, you really have to like the food to feel like you're getting any value. Everything we had was very tasty and obviously made from high-quality ingredients. I was not expecting to get full off of one dish, but I also hoped my stomach would at least be satisfied, and it wasn't. This is a good place to start somewhere else first and get a snack. Or maybe I'm a pig. Whatever. I'll start somewhere else, you start here. Anyway, the food was good. Cheese curds and beef tartare were excellent, as were the salmon and the carbawhatever rice thing. Good wine selection, very limited beer selection. I should feel better about this place considering the quality of the food, but I'm not.
(4)Angela B.
I hesitated before putting that 4th star. I really like this place. I've been for brunch twice and both times I had the homemade sausage meal. The first time was phenomenal but the second time, the sausage seemed a tad too salty. with the cheese curds, being salty, this nearly ruined the meal. My boyfriend got the skillet with salmon and it was COVERED in pickles...he did not enjoy it much. and neither did I. We also tried a sour cherry turnover the first time; that was great. The teas are strong and delicious. I am very optimistic about my next meal here.
(4)Patrick W.
After two exceptional dining experiences at Perennial Virant, I would call it my favorite restaurant in Chicago. A year ago, my wife and I celebrated our first anniversary here. I dropped off flowers and a card ahead of time with the hostess, who was happy to arrange for them to be placed at our table. When we arrived, the restaurant staff had a corner table specially set with the flowers and card and were attentive throughout the meal, including congratulating us on the occasion. The meal and wine were terrific, and the chef sent out a complimentary dessert. Today, my wife and I and another couple had brunch together, and a bit after we arrived, two other couples sat down at the table behind us. Coincidentally, the couples behind us ordered the same four meals that we ordered, and the servers mistakenly delivered our meals to that table first, which left us waiting a while for food. Realizing the mistake, the managers and server came over to our table to apologize and provided not only a complimentary entree but also said they would cover our appetizers. It was really above and beyond for what was an understandable mistake. During both visits here, the incredible service has been matched by outstanding meals. The food is wholesome, fresh and creative, and the menu items strike the right balance between light and satisfying. Highly recommend for both brunch and dinner and glad to have PV in our neighborhood.
(5)Meredith K.
We came back here for brunch. This time I was with four people. It was packed and I was glad that we had a reservation however we still had to wait a long time for our table. I'm glad none of us had to be somewhere. Once seated we were offered drinks and info about the menu that I found limited. Its not a build-your-own-omelette kind of place. I passed on the punch of the day because I drove there, but my friends had some and it was dangerously delicious. My friend ordered a cinnamon roll for the table. I had to pass because one bite of cinnamon roll and before I know it, I've had 10 bites of cinnamon roll. It looked sticky and amazing. There weren't a lot of items on the menu that are savory without pork or beef. I decided to try the biscuits and chicken gravy (not 100% pork free but close enough) The biscuits were hard and dense. They were either over cooked, over kneaded, or both. The gravy had chicken sausage in it but was not rich. I wouldn't order it again b/c of the biscuits. My friend next to me got the turkey pot pie. It came with a big cracker over the top instead of a baked on pie crust top. I prefer when its baked on and steaming hot lava inside. I feel like I should give this place another chance for dinner but brunch is just not for me. The service and location are fine minus not being seated when you have a reservation.
(3)Alex J.
Swung by here after seeing the Lincoln Park Zoo Lights and warmed up to some exquisite cuisine and awesome service in a brilliant atmosphere. My date's chicken was cooked so perfectly that you'd think it wasn't chicken, but rather some new, succulent reinvention. My prosciutto-wrapped rainbow trout - de-boned but powerfully plated with the head - over a beet salad that was out of this world left me feeling content with the world. We started with the beef tartar as an appetizer, and it simply melted in our mouths. Literally no complaints; I'll be enjoying brunch here soon enough, as I understand they also knock the other hours of the day out of the park.
(5)Christy L.
I've eaten at Perennial Virant several times now, for both brunch and dinner, and it's just so-so. I prefer the brunch, which is a solid four stars, but dinner is just mediocre, maybe even two stars. For dinner, I started with the Salmon Tartare, which was the highlight of the evening. My friends both had the Fried Artichokes, which they said were missing a key ingredient, perhaps salt. For entree, I had the Lamb Merguez, which was meh. And, for dessert, I had the chocolate chip cookies which were over-powerfully heavy on salt, to the point that I tasted no sweet. My Moscow Mules were a bit too tart. Everything just seemed "off." Otherwise, I enjoyed the ambiance and service was helpful. I just wouldn't return because for the price, you can find much, much better in Chicago. Brunch, on the other hand, is very good.
(3)Haley S.
One of my favorite brunch places! The potatoes with cheese curds are worth the trip alone!
(4)Daniel C.
I've been here for brunch only Two occasions. Freaking Delicious. I had a wonderful experience most recently with friends. We briefly considered getting every single side item along with our entrees. We ended up getting quite a lot. I had a bacon brioche sandwich and I was really happy with it. I got to try the corned beef hash, the potatoes with cheese curds and the sausage. This place had fallen off my radar but now it's RIGHT BACK on glowing brightly. I cannot wait to try this place again.
(5)Shan D.
While it's a beautiful spot for a Sunday brunch, the food is just below average. The execution is just inconsistent. Seasoning seems to be their main issue. I had the biscuits and gravy which were overly salty. I asked for some hot sauce just so I could finish my plate. The homefries were bland, and the cheese curds just weren't good at all. I also tried the omelette, which lacked salt. Coffee was just ok. Not sure where it's from. Our server was a little quirky, but nice nonetheless. Everything here is forgettable. I won't be back, even for dinner.
(2)Benjamin R.
We've been to his other restaurant Vie and loved it, and he did not disappoint here either. This is more casual than Vie, but the food was still excellent. It's a great spot right at the corner of Lincoln Park, so we walked around the zoo and park before dinner. Cocktail to me was nothing special, and only 3 draft beers on tap, but one of them was really good so no complaints there. All the food we got was great. Lettuce salad, rice cake were both surprisingly delicious. Whitefish and beef tenderloin entrees were really good too. The only weird thing to me was the pickled summer beans (green beans) in the salad. A little too strong for my taste, but I'm not really a pickled fan. But it was all-around excellent and I would go back many times. It has an outdoor patio too for nicer days.
(5)Howard B.
We found this restaurant lacking in a number of respects. The service was unfriendly and inattentive, with the exception of the person who refilled the water. Bread was not served at the table. When we asked for it twice, it still was not served. The appetizers were just ok, except for the cheese curds which were very tasty. The 3 of the 6 main dishes were entirely too salty. The presentation was sloppy. The meat that we ordered was on the plate with a thick dollop of salty sauce on top. The portions of the deserts were very thin. A slice of torte was 1/2 inch in width at the largest portion! For a restaurant that is not inexpensive, I found the entire experience lacking.
(2)Alison S.
Enjoyed a relaxed dinner here on a weeknight. It was not crowded and we received very attentive service. In addition to some great wine, we split the cheese plate, local lettuces, crispy rice cake with cheese curds, and goat cheese gnocchi. While I'd recommend everything we ate, the cheese plate was a standout. Many places have one starring cheese and a few fillers. But here, each cheese could stand on its own, and the accompaniments were varied and paired perfectly with one of the cheeses (so much better than the lackluster cheese plate I had at Eataly a few days later). We originally wanted to go to the rooftop, but the line for the elevator was out the door and it had just started to rain, so we settled on sitting inside. I do think that this type of fresh cuisine is better enjoyed outside--next time we'll come on a warm night so we can sit on the patio.
(4)Bryan W.
I would have given this 4 stars if not for the price. The quality of the food was good to right below excellent. A minimal approach to the salmon was appreciated but lacking. Just shy of being overcooked, it was delicious anyway! This is a casually cool place without a lot of pretension and the menu does reflect this attitude. Just a tad pricey is my only knock. The bar has a well thought out selection of the finest liquors you can find;-)
(3)Kristi C.
Went here for dinner and drinks. Sat at the bar and Kiel and Sean took great care of us. Paul V. created some of the most amazing vegan dishes I've had in the six years that I've been vegan. Every bite was well balanced and thought out---I was seriously impressed. Ambiance is zen/contemporary. Very innovative cocktails. I can't wait to come back!
(5)Lucy N.
First off the service is top notch. Our waiter Danny was attentive and very personable. He definitely made our group's experience here more enjoyable. We started with the cheese plate and some vino. All delish. We then ordered the scallops, beef tenderloin and the gnocchi. All of the dishes were fantastic, however the scallops were done to perfection! Near the end of our meal Danny was kind enough to put our name down on the list for J Parker so that when we had finished we just waltzed right on up! Thank you for making our night with you a memorable one!
(5)Ryan K.
I was looking for a brunch spot near the zoo on a Sunday and Perennial Virant popped up! 3 dollar signs, what am I liquid?! Well the brunch menu is pretty reasonably priced and I was able to make reservations via open table for a party of 6 for 12:15, so let's do this. We arrived on time and were told there would be a small wait. I told the hostess that our party had changed to 5 and that was no problem for them. We were still waiting for the other 3 people to show up which they did 5 minutes later. I really thought the place was tastefully decorated and clean. There was a lot of space and I really appreciated not feeling claustrophobic. The chairs are also legit! They're big and comfortable clothe dining chairs and there were some tables that had couches as part of their seating arrangement. I didn't use the restroom, but people in our party that did all said it was really nice and clean (always a good sign). The wait was probably 15 minutes max, but the hostess was kind enough to give us half mimosas to sip on while we waited! This was the start to the fantastic service we had! We were seated at a round table with the nice dining chairs. Our waiter was fantastic - very attentive and a true professional. He answered all of our questions thoughtfully and helped us make decisions. The sticky bun was awesome. The homemade doughnut was okay, but a little hard so I wouldn't order that again. I had the skillet with butternut squash and pesto. It was really good, but the wife's 3-egg omelet with prosciutto and pesto was even better. I would order either one again though. The bartenders seemed very knowledgable when I was eavesdropping on a conversation with another customer so I'll definitely try some cocktails next time. The wife had a Bloody Mary that she thoroughly enjoyed since it wasn't very spicy. I also wanted to mention that someone from our party dropped a napkin on the floor and our waiter swooped in after literally 2 seconds with a new one. Whaaaat?! Yeah the staff here are amazingly well trained and the whole experience was top notch. We'd love to come back to try dinner.
(5)Saba A.
I came here for Brunch with my husband on a Saturday morning and we left very satisfied. This is a family friendly restaurant, but different types of crowds were there and it made a homey type of ambiance. I started with a delicious and light peach mimosa, and then we ordered the house made sausage. The best eggs I have ever tasted in my life. So soft, so much flavor, and it wasn't heavy. We could have ordered a lot more of those. Our waitress was nice, recommending items on the menu and suggestions. She took some time to show us the breakfast menu after we expressed how much we liked the eggs. The doughnut was in one big size, and we enjoyed that as a starting. We were satisfied after eating and didn't use all the money on our gift card so we can come back again. Located in the Lincoln Hotel, it was a fun visit to Lincoln Park. The Farmer's Market is across the street and the J Bar is a great rooftop bar in the Hotel so we went up for drinks there afterwards. It was a great visit!
(5)Jeff N.
My laziness is the cause of me forgetting exactly what I ate at this wonderful place. We had heard great things, but now we know how great it is. This is one of those places where you take a bite of the food and then give your dinner partner that glance that says, "I have a piece of heaven in my mouth and I'm now going to close my eyes for a moment while I savor the taste".
(5)Joseph D.
Stopped in for brunch after staying at the Hotel Lincoln this past weekend and all I can say is YUM! Wife had the 3 egg omelet and I had the sausage gravy, eggs and biscuits. Both were outstanding and slightly different takes on what a traditional brunch item such as these might be. For example the omelet had goat cheese, prosciutto and pesto. And the home fries had cheese curds. The sausage gravy was just as interesting as it featured chicken sausage which gave the gravy some lift instead of being all fatty and congealed. We also started with a homemade lemon doughnut which was quite dense and also delicious, covered nicely in a lemon glaze and topped with meringue. We did not drink but did have coffee and our total bill was $42. A bargain for such high quality fare and excellent service. Even if you're not a guest at the hotel, I highly recommend you try this place. We will return for dinner!
(5)Kirsten H.
We hosted a baby shower for 21 people here on a Sunday afternoon. Maggie was incredibly responsive and helpful when making the reservation and coordinating the party. Everything was seamless during the planning process. We reserved "The Lounge" space off of the bar with huge windows and a beautiful view of Lincoln Park. For a party of that size, a family style brunch is served - which was delicious and more than enough food. We had requested no pork or beef products and they were extremely accommodating and provided an alternative. We also ordered special cupcakes through Perennial and, again, they were extremely accommodating with our special request. All of the guests raved about the space and the menu (and mimosas!) - I definitely recommend Perennial for anyone looking to host a "turnkey," yet, special and memorable event.
(5)Kristina W.
I loved my experience at Perennial Virant from beginning to end. My sister had recommended this place to me for a while, so I finally made reservations one Friday night for myself & 3 friends. I didn't read reviews until the afternoon of, upon which I realized that PV is actually known for its brunch... oops. I was disappointed, but my dinner experience turned out to be AMAZING and went above & beyond my expectations! Starting with the service, we arrived 10-15 minutes late without calling in, and they were accommodating and able to seat us right when we got there. Also, my friend had a lot of allergy restrictions and our waiter was able to speak with the chef and suggest substitutions for different ingredients in various dishes. He never made us feel like we were inconveniencing him in any way even though he had to make multiple trips to and from the kitchen before we ordered. 5 Star Service. The food...Amazing. We ordered the Housemade Charcuterie ( yelp.com/biz_photos/pere… ), Crispy Carnaroli Rice Cake ( yelp.com/biz_photos/pere… ), Walleye Pike, Torte, Beef Tenderloin, and the chef even customized a vegetarian course for my friend. Everything was absolutely delicious and well-portioned, but my favorite was definitely the Crispy Carnaroli Rice Cake. OVERALL: I highly recommend this restaurant for the romantic candle-lit ambiance, extremely comfortable seating (yes, this matters to me), top-notch service, and delicious, perfectly-portioned, and reasonably-priced food. If I loved the dinner this much, and the brunch is supposed to be even better... I will definitely be back to try the brunch!
(5)Leanne W.
My boyfriend and I came here for Sunday brunch on our anniversary. We had a reservation and were seated promptly, within 5 minutes of coming in the door. The space is beautiful, great décor and a beautiful indoor/outdoor style dining room in the warm months. It was a little chilly for an August morning (oh, Chicago), so we sat inside. Immediately upon sitting, a busser came and filled our water glasses and offered us a beverage. I got the seasonal mimosa which was blueberry. It showed up quickly and had a good champagne to juice ratio (heavy on the champagne, thank you very much!). After several minutes passed, our unsmiling server arrived. Now, I am a vet of the restaurant industry and I know Sunday brunch can be hangover time, so I tend to extend empathy to anyone working the shift. She mumbled something and then stared at us, so I'm assuming she was asking if we were ready to order. No greeting, no 'Happy anniversary' (it was noted on the reservation), just an expectant stare. We were a little put off, but ordered our food: a cookies and cream donut to share, then two orders of biscuits and gravy. The donut came to the table very quickly, and was definitely large enough for two people to share. The texture was good, and though the frosting was sicky sweet, that's often par for the course for donuts. My man has a huge sweet tooth, and he loved it. Bussers were on their A-game and promptly removed the empty dish and replaced our silverware. They also did an excellent job keeping our water glasses full. While we waited for our main course, we couldn't help but notice the staff all seemed to be downright angry to be there. I don't know if a big fight happened the night before, or they had a terrible preshift meeting that put everyone in a mood, but the atmosphere in the restaurant was seriously unpleasant. My boyfriend and I tried to keep each other in light moods, but it was a real effort when all the staff we saw we glowering at each other. Yikes. Our server brought out our biscuits and gravy, which were once again generously portioned. The dish consists of one central homemade biscuit in a soup bowl, surrounded by plenty of white gravy with chicken sausage. A really pleasant twist on a southern classic. After we finished our meals, another server or busser brought us out ANOTHER donut with a Happy Anniversary message written on it. It was a nice gesture, if a little impersonal (not our server, plus we had already had the same donut). Eventually our server brought us the check, wordlessly dropping it on the table, which we quickly stuffed with cash so we could get the heck out of this toxic environment. All in all, the concept and design of this place is great. Local food, beautiful decoration. But with the experience we had, I doubt we'll ever return. I don't need Mary Sunshine to bring me my food and drinks, but the service here was absolutely toxic and mood killing. That's no way to start a day, especially an anniversary.
(2)Romana Y.
The space is beautiful, with a large outdoor terrace, and sleek indoor seating. The service was great, and accommodating, which are the only things I can rave about. The food was ok, but nothing worthy of praising. Hillside Orchard gnocchi was average; pan-roasted Loch Etive Steelhead was alright, as well. The recommended Duval-Leroy Champagne was awful.
(3)Amelia W.
Everything was perfect. My husband and I went for dinner since we were staying at the Lincoln hotel. I got the Pan Seared Artic Char and of course ended the night with their chocolate cake. My husband got the Grilled Pork Porterhouse which consist of mashed carrot, apricot jam, turnips, cilantro, grilled pickle jalapeños, and pork jus. Each of these dishes I would recommend. The service was great and the restaurant location is fun because it is walking distance to the Lincoln Park. It is a location you can stay near the whole day with the Lincoln Park free zoo near by.
(5)Amanda B.
Wonderful atmosphere, awesome staff and amazing food. The chef really takes pride in their menu and patrons. Danny was a great server! We will be coming back and telling our friends. After dinner, head to jparker and enjoy the views.
(5)Kristi B.
We decided to give this place another try! It's in our neighborhood and across the street from the Green City Market where we go faithfully twice a week and the setting is so nice we really felt it deserved a third chance. We were very pleased. Again the sticky bun is amazing (we did decide to order a side of bacon and crumbled it onto the bun---we suggested it come with this addition as it was an excellent improvement) and we also had the smoked salmon salad and it was delicious. The beliinis hit the spot on a perfect Saturday morning. The service was excellent, the setting perfect, and the food quite good. We will be back.
(4)Mimi T.
Love this place!!! We come here often for brunch and the food is amazing. My favorite things on the item is the French toast. The flavor a are amazing, great portion and they change the flavored based on the available fruits from local farmers!
(5)Jed B.
Stopped by for dessert and was pleasantly surprised by the quality if not my the quantity. Our dessert was the size of a silver dollar which for one might be adequate. I'm used to sharing dessert and this didn't go very far. But what we had was wonderful.
(4)Shawna B.
I love living in Old Town and am so glad there are restaurants like Perennial that serve local produce and sustainable proteins. Atmosphere is lovely and the food is spot on...maybe a touch rich for my liking but tasty. Brunch there has been a summer favorite of mine. Their breakfast offerings are familiar yet unique. I had an awesome asian inspired breakfast with kimchi and sprouts...ok...not standard but still amazing. Love the egg dishes and the caramel sticky buns are always a great "appetizer." Also, because you know I love great service, this place has their act together. The staff is kind, informed and attentive. Even when we had some friends with kids meet us for breakfast, the staff couldn't have been better. They, without even asking, put the fruit compote on the side of the pancakes. Just in case our young diners might be finicky. Brilliant! **Just to be clear, I don't think of this as a particularly kid friendly place...it is trendy and upscale...we just happened to be doing an early brunch on the patio so a couple of well-behaved kids seemed like an ok call this time.
(5)Fernando B.
Went for Saturday brunch, the place not very busy and we were greeted and seated immediately. The tables seemed a bit too close to each other, but since there wasn't a lot of people it was OK. I had the chilaquiles and it was very good, fresh and full of flavor, my only complaint would be that some of the dish garnishes were in the way of the really good stuff. Very nice. I will definitely go back.
(4)Mark D.
My very first review ever! I am an executive chef with over 30 years experience. And I have to tell you the meal I had last night was up there in my top 10 best dining experience. This is a true Chicago original, a must for all good food lovers. The service was unpretentious, friendly and professional! Made you feel welcome and comfortable, with excellent knowledge of the menu and recommendations. Have heard the brunch is amazing and it's definitely going to be my next stop at perennial Virant. I was lucky enough to get a tour of the back of the house and upon walking into the storage room I was blown away at how they preserved all these wonderful flavors of the summer to use through the winter months! And all their homemade charcuterie aging in a special temperature & humidity controlled refrigerator, a personal passion of mine. Thank you Monica For hooking us up!
(5)A M.
Amazing, delicious food and ridiculous top notch service. Our waiter Dave "Grohl" was the most knowledgable server I have ever encountered. We took all of his recommendations and they were spot on - charcuterie plate, scallops, whitefish and the wine. Can't wait to go back!!
(5)Angelo V.
Nice staff, great potatoes and cheese curds; also ordered biscuits and gravy-- this definitely has that very good homemade taste; great mixture of sausage and sauce. Would come again. Although both dishes too much food for one person.
(5)Troy M.
They should spend less time on presentation and focus more on the quality of the food. The chicken fried steak at brunch had no flavor and was so tough to eat, I left it on the plate. I wanted the BLT I had on a previous visit, which is no longer on the menu. The restaurant is beautiful the service is less than mediocre. This will be our last visit.
(1)Michelle H.
My friends suggested this place for my visit to Chicago and I loved it! Great ambiance! Very cute setting and the staff is very friendly. I got the biscuits and gravy and it was soooo good and filling! I tasted my friend's dish (Corned Beef Hash) and didn't like it very much. The meat tasted like it was under-cooked. It didn't taste as good as it looked. I also tried the Bloody Maria (jalepeno infused) and wasn't a fan of that either. Next time I'll stick to Mimosas (you can't make a bad mimosa). This would be a restaurant I would frequent if I lived in Chicago.
(4)Bridget S.
For the money you're paying, I was disappointed with the food and service To start we had a nice cheese plate which was probably my favorite part of the meal. If you go, I'd recommend getting that as a starter. We also got the charcuterie plate- I wasn't a big fan of this one. For entrees, I got the walleye. Fish was cooked well and the mushrooms were good, but the dish was quite bland. I also had some of the dishes of folks I was dining and our consensus was the same- very average. Then there were a few snafus with service as well (like being seated 45 minutes after our reservation). Net net, it wasn't bad experience but it wasn't a good experience.
(3)Jesi R.
I just had brunch here and I was extremely disappointed after reading all of these positive reviews. The portions are small ad VERY overpriced, which I may have been ok with if the food was incredible, but it wasn't. My biscuits and gravy were watery and bland, and the $5 "pretzel knots" were just cold lumps of dough with salt. With so many options in Lincoln Park, take your money elsewhere.
(3)Brittany P.
Meh this place was ok. I went here for brunch and bloody Mary's with a few friends. The bloody tasted like it had shrimp cocktail sauce in it, so not sure what was up with that. We did order the cinnamon bun which was great; however I was not overly impressed with my meal. Atmosphere is nice and open, good location. Was nice to try for a one time meal, but not an absolute go-to spot.
(3)Kelly A.
Amazing service. Our waiter was wonderful! However, the food was very average. I'd always wanted to come here, because I like their philosophy of locally sourced and organic foods, but I was disappointed. There were a few good items. I liked the fermented pork sausage. I liked the garnish on my fish with greens and pickled ramps and preserved lemon. The pork belly was bad. All fat. My main dish was lukewarm. I didn't realize it was part of the Boka group or I would never have gone. Their restaurants are overrated and underwhelming.
(3)Whitney R.
Tried several appetizers and all were okay. Loved the pork roast.
(4)lucky r.
ok this is one of my farm to table restaurants. I went there for brunch and dinner. Please don't miss out on sticky bum or French toast for brunch and dinner gotta get the tenderloin and most importantly get dessert! Food and staff were awesome
(4)Monica A.
Had dinner last night with customers and the meal was amazing. Rarely will you get your entire group to enjoy the food as much as we did. First the resturant is very cozy, certainly setting the ton for a nice meal. Every dish we had was amazing so it is hard to pick just one. Sharing is the way to go here, order a lot of plates and share amongst your group. The prices are not outrageous for the quaility of the food. The flavors are amazing. Even the desserts were wonderful. Highly recommended!
(5)Duncan R.
Arriving late (9pm) (a long drive from NYC) and staying in The Lincoln I was happy that the restaurant in the hotel was still open. Then space is very elegantly designed. The tables and chairs comfortable and the staff are eager. I admit it. I am pretty much over the local farm to table movement... everyone claims it for their own yet very few seem to know what it means. The words have become loaded. What does 'local' really mean? I asked the waiter and he explained that 'loca'l meant... the mid west. I ordered the pork belly to start. Pork belly and pickles... and something home made and sweet. All of the component parts of this complicated dish were excellent but jammed together on the plate I felt I was an unwilling judge on Chopped. Too much going on. Too many flavours, not enough attention to detail. The duck for the main course suffered the same fate. The barley porridge was excellent but married to the duck and the unannounced pickled melon rind... was simply too much. And, I did something I NEVER do. I left half the plate a s a protest to bad combinations. I was offered desert but they all sounded so too much. And where indeed are the 'local' lemons being harvested? This restaurant lacks the sophistication it promises when you walk through the door. Although a valiant attempt at haute cuisine it fails to match other 'farm to table' restaurants that simply let ingredients speak for themselves..
(3)David F.
My wife and I came to Perennial Virant during restuarant week and really enjoyed our time there. I will admit that I thought this place was the best of our restuarant week adventure food-wise (others were Boka and Vie), but the atmosphere and value here weren't as good. The restuarant week menu was very nice. It had some very strong points and some not as strong points (dessert was an afterthought). The reason to come to this restuarant comes in one bite of food...the gnocchi is honestly one of the top 10 bites of food I have ever had. It was fantastic! It is worth a trip to PV alone. The other great dish we had was the pork belly. It was over a bed of french lentils and all of the delicious fat oozed over the lentils to create something magical in your mouth. I found that this restuarant did a great job with pickling ingredients as well as you can see with their jars that line the walls. Overall, we spent more than we did at Vie or Boka (both Michelin star resturants), but I left with that singular impression that the gnocchi made on me. It is one that I will not soon forget.
(5)James Michael S.
Definitely up there with sprout and Girl and the Goat for some of the best contemporary American food in Chicago. Great flavor in all of their dishes and their waitstaff was very knowledgeable. I felt the interior design paralleled the design and flavor of the food. I was happy when I left here!
(4)Lindsay D.
Paul Virant's new baby is FABULOUS---I can go on and on about the amazing plates they offer, but I will keep this simple, like the fresh ingredients they use---try this place out!!
(5)Mark J.
This place is AMAZING! The chef Paul is a genius! Everything about this place was beyond belief. The service was amazing as well. There is a nice definite welcoming casual atmosphere here. Places like this make me proud to be a Chicagoan The prices are reasonable for the wonderful food you will be served. The outdoor terrace is the best place spend this summer.
(5)Alya A.
I'm sorry to be even a slight naysayer about this place, because I really loved the food and wanted to have a perfectly lovely night, but there were so many service screwups at dinner last night that I couldn't help but post. I'm going to try to list them in order, if I can remember them all: 1. First round of drinks took AGES to arrive. In the meantime, a server came over and tried to give us someone else's salad. Our waiter barked at him and then noticed that our drinks had not yet arrived, which seemed to fluster him. Still no drinks for several minutes after that. 2. It was my boyfriend's bday last night, which I noted when I made the reservation, and our waiter came over and said happy birthday to the guy sitting next to us by mistake. This was actually pretty funny but just another indication of service disarray. 3. Our waiter took our food order really quickly (in order to get in our order of morels before they ran out) and ran off without asking us if we'd like any wine. We managed to flag him down a bit later, well before our first course arrived, and once we figured out how our food would be plated we ordered 2 glasses of cava for the first course and then a half bottle of red for the second. The cava didn't arrive until we were nearly done with our first course, and again our server noticed, and seemed really stressed/agitated about it, but somehow still couldn't make the cava appear at our table any faster. 4. We overheard several instances of waiter/servers arguing over which plates went to which tables - "those are for table 90!" "no, 94!" "92!" So much confusion. All that being said, I thought the food was really terrific - as others have stated the crispy rice/cheese curd dish was delicious, as was the pork confit, and the morels. The panna cotta dessert was unique and special. Just please get your service in order, guys!!!!
(3)Sally B.
A Tuesday night, a frigid night in Chicago, and Perennial was a warm and rewarding refuge. We started with the Diver scallops and the beet salad. So tasteful I let the food melt on my tongue first before chewing. A cornucopia of flavors. We followed with the Whitefish and Rainbow Trout entrees, accompanied by a bottle of Sancerre. How could food this delicious also be healthy for us, too? Perennial finds a way. I love supporting seasonal dining and farm-to-table meals.
(5)Nancy S.
This restaurant has great staff! We were there Monday (10/9/12) during dinner & everything was perfect. We met the Manager & he was very helpful & friendly. The place is gorgeous too.
(5)A S.
It is a nice place. I like it, but can't say I love it. Food, service, and deco...all deserve 4 stars.
(4)L. J.
Clean, crisp, well-balanced flavors . limited wine offerings by the glass; but, nevertheless, a decently nice selection. Met expectations ... will, undoubtedly, return again.
(4)Sarah D.
Went to PV on a Friday evening for dinner with my ladies. Ambiance was great, service was good, and not one of us was disappointed with our food. They also have a great cocktail menu. Standout apps were the ham hock beignets and crispy rice. We tried all of the fish entrees (salmon, trout and whitefish) as well as the chicken parm. Clean plates all around and we would definitely go back.
(5)David G.
I've always driven past this restaurant at the intersection of Lincoln and Clark and have kept promising myself that I would go. The outdoor patio looked absolutely amazing! Last night I finally succumbed to my inner pressures. Service: 10/10 - On our way to the restaurant, we ran into brutal traffic on Lake Shore Drive and were running 15 minutes late. In fear that we would lose our table, we spoke with a gentleman on the phone, who assured us that our table on the patio would still be available and not to worry. Sure enough, we were seated the second we walked in even though the restaurant was packed. Our hostess was an absolute riot (curly brown hair, medium height). She spent a second of her time to converse with us and made us feel right at home. Our waitress Rebecca took very good care of us, and gave us the lowdown on how much food to order as well as what beers to pair with the items we ordered. Food: 10/10 - We ordered several items: The scallops, the shrimp with tempura squash blossoms, the chedder fondue roasted green beans, the herb parisienne gnocchi and my favorite, the beef loin. Everything was incredibly flavorful. For dessert, we had the lemon pound cake, the chocolate mousse topped with peppermint ice cream and the templeton rye pannacotta. All three were heavenly! However, the pannacotta stood out for me. It was incredibly rich and had the smokiness of rye whiskey. I highly recommend it! Overall, it was an incredible experience. I look forward to coming back soon!
(5)cindy g.
We are eating out all the time this weekend. Brunch was great. The French toast divine. The whitefish with eggs unique and a special treat. The egg skillet with spicy additional sauce so very different. All that we had hoped it to be from a foodie point of view. I feel the staff and servers were just ok. When you are in the service business you should aim to please. To the kitchen- you did a great job .
(4)Monica M.
this was our first visit back for brunch since poli leaving and all in all, i think were in like with it. i know its not fair to compare the old to new but i just couldnt help it. the new decor is awesome! a nice mix balance modern sleek and comfy we got a sticky bun, the omelette, and french toast. bloody mary too. bun was okay. the om was okay too. french toast is better than before imo. and bloody mary? not as good, but still good! needed a little more something. i thought the old ones were amazing... menu could be more too. more like a 3.75/5. i think well return.
(4)Kathleen O.
I've tried this place three times always wanting to love it, b/c it's so convenient to walk to. But I think it's just so-so for the price. I would go again if some friends wanted to have dinner there, b/c it's not bad food. It just doesn't strike me as something memorable or anything that I crave to go back for. Know what I mean? My good friends love the Sunday brunch tho and they're big foodies. I've gone once for lunch and twice for dinner. Would I recommend checking it out? Sure.. I think everything's worth checking out at least once.
(2)Anya K.
Came here with my mom for brunch on Saturday morning and we loved it! We were greeted and seated on the patio overlooking the food market across the street. The scene had a pleasant Saturday morning sunny buzz about it. Everyone out and about carrying flowers and smiling, definitely enjoying themselves. Our waiter in promptly showed up and ran us through the menu and specials, however we were so hungry that we already had the whole thing picked out. I got the omelette and mom got the skillet. Both were delicious. We also ended up getting berries and cream with house coffee and green tea. The seemingly simple ingredients were exquisitely paired together and presented immaculately. I had to snap a few pictures! If you begin the food intake with your eyes is a true theory, than at Perennial they got it down. My pesto was so fresh the basil didn't even turn the dark green shade it normally does. The eggs were a bit smaller than I am used to, so I ate all my bread with butter and the muy delicious preserves (I ran a 5k race before hand, so I didn't care). Everything was fresh and steaming hot, and promptly served. Our water refilled with half full glasses and we left happy and satisfied. Waiting for the next opportunity to come back!
(5)Carolyn H.
The new Perennial is fantastic. Food is great, service is great, and they have a really nice house wine list. The tapas menu is really nice. Portions are not skimpy and the food is very fresh. Bravo!
(4)Holly D.
Bacon, Cheesy Grits and Sticky Buns .. . .delicious! We miss the old interior, but returned to try brunch with the new chef. One of the best brunches in the city.
(5)GurtBurt Y.
Loves: seasonal, local menu; the vibe--perfectly classy yet comfortable; the service--attentive and humble; outdoor patio tables. We ordered the carnaroli rice (small), scallops (medium), and a beef dish (large). The latter two are no longer on the menu. All three combined ingredients in a way that featured their unique flavors and complemented the other flavors, so that every component made an important contribution to the dish. They were refreshing, and simple, while outstanding at the same time. Pricey menu, but oh so worth it. Also, they tend to lavish you with new silverware, plates, and glasses--a bit unsustainable in our opinion, but some people may prefer that.
(5)Bill B.
cool place, great service, good food and drinks.
(4)Donna F.
Don't be sucked in by all the hype. There's a lot better places to go. They need to make up their mind if they're casual or high scale. They come off as rather pretentious. They try to have the class and flair of an upscale restaurant, but fail to do so in my opinion. First of all when you're charging those prices, don't have your staff wearing jeans and don't commit the cardinal sin of putting utensils directly on the table every time you place them down. It's a bacteria fiesta on the table! Also, don't take away my bread plate before asking me if I'd like more bread(or do I have to beg). Even at my corner diner they know not to bring soup and salad at the same time, not here. Oh yes, there's the food--good mushroom soup, salad you can get anywhere, dinner portions small, but tasty. Not worth it, I won't go back. If not for the location, they couldn't get away with it.
(2)Joel D.
Visited this restaurant last Th night, with a group of 10, which started as a group of 6 and we changed the reservations 3 times and they were extremely adaptable. Pre-dinner cocktails were tasty, I enjoyed the Currant Cobbler. We had a group of people who enjoyed tasting several dishes, our faves were the gnocchi dish, the young chicken, the deviled eggs were surprisingly good, the cheese platter had a nice aged cheddar on it. I'm not a fan of scallops but some in the group were and said they were the best they've ever had, perfectly cooked. We also enjoyed some nice rioja, 4 bottles to be exact. We were there for my gf bday and they brought out a dessert to share without asking. Cherry on top was our server Anna, she took care of us the entire night and was on point with everything, couldn't have asked for better service. Also, 10 people, lots of drinks, 4 bottles of wine, lots of food, and the bill was 600 bucks, can't beat that. Next time in Chi, I will be heading straight there.
(5)Michael B.
agree with Alex R. I had dinner there last night, October 10, and Just strange, for a seasonal, Fresh, Restaurant, not to have Heirloom tomatoes or even "regular" Tomatoes. Shame! Ok, so as a hobby I grow heirloom tomatoes and have a "fresh farm mentality" so I'm partial. Perhaps I should grow and supplyu them next season! Suffice it to say that as much as I love tomatoes, I do not like beets, BUT the small plate of beets was amazing, I'm a new fan Also, the strange sounding Fried rice/cheese small plate was heaven. Chef Virant is the master at combining ingredients/flavors. Ok, moving on, the steak/pork/Trout/..... all perfectly/expertly prepared but just "so so" nothing special/innovative; sort of boring (was not expecting greatness. I would have settled for tasty" As sooooooooo many of other reviewers say "GO FOR BRUNCH" I will look forward to that and will report later "THE SPANIEL REVIEWS"
(3)Jeff D.
Our first time back since the name change and Perennial is still great. It is tough to go wrong with their brunch menu... Omelette with radish, skillet, meatloaf all exceeded expectations and the ingredients seemed to be sourced from Green City across the street. Although I would not order the salmon again.
(4)Jaime L.
Perennial was one of my favs. I did not know it was now Perennial Virant and was a little disappointed when I showed up to something different than what I expected. I was even more turned off when they took us to a community table (not loving this new fad) and we had to sit with a table full of strangers, especially because my husband and I were there to celebrate a special occasion. Nonetheless, once I accepted the new place and the strangers around me, I was blown away by the food and drinks. The service was excellent. Amaze. I will be back!
(4)Nadim A.
We went to the new Perennial for a birthday celebration. Ordered 10 plates to share. While there were quite a few good ones, overall we were not that satisfied. Here is what we ordered: carnaroli rice: plain and almost flavorless carrots & feta: was OK bar snack: the egg was OK, but kale was super oily king's wing: those were good midwest cheeses: was OK summer sausage: that was good seared diver sea scallop: that was good grilled dietzler farm beef loin: that plain and the mushrooms had too much vinegar in it smoked beef: that was really good, but too much fat on the meat In addition, our server did not know the menu that well and there was a long delay between plates coming out.
(2)Chris M.
I really dont see how you can have a bad meal or a bad time for that matter when coming to this wonderful establishment. The food is ridiculous. Just insane. Reminds me a lot of home cooking my mother and grandmother use to make on a daily basis so to find such memories locked up in the heart of Lincoln park, you bet your bottom dollar I will be coming back. Mr. Buckingham (manager on duty) made sure everything we needed was on our table time in and time out, tremendous service from himself and the wait staff. Compliments to the bake staff, specifically Ms. Napoloeni who bakes just the most scrumptious treats ever. If attending brunch the brunch, you MUSSSST efin MUSSST try the sticky bun....omfg...homemade caramel sauce and the juciest stickiest bun EVER. Love it and cant speak highly enough fo the atmosphere and staff! If you are rating this anything under a 3/4 you have issues.
(5)Heinz D.
Terrific for brunch, this restaurant is a casual, contemporary restaurant with an elegant touch. They have all the standard brunch items you would expect, with a twist of gourmet added to each. Every dish was artfully presented and tasted terrific. Service was attentive and friendly. Located next to the Hotel Lincoln in Lincoln Park. The price is reasonable for the quality you receive. Great for large groups. I would come back again.
(4)Blake G.
Was in Chicago visiting friends last weekend and it was recommended that we had to try this restaurant. The experience more than exceeded the recommendation. From the drinks from Matt at the Bar to the last bite of the evening everything was amazing. I really enjoyed how open the restaurant felt and the general positive and relaxed atmosphere exuded from the staff and the other patrons. The menu consists of small plates that vary in sizes which I really enjoy because it allows for people to try different dishes and creates a great food conversation during your meal. The food was all fantastic and very fresh, but I especially enjoyed the crispy carnaroli rice. I have never had anything quite like this and was ready to order about two more plates right away even though we still had plenty more food still coming out. I also would recommend the gnocchi, the sea scallops and really enjoyed the wines on the menu especially the Grenache from Rhone Valley. I was really pleased with how well the staff communicated with us especially the general manager, Ben. He really appeared to care about our experience and wanted to make sure we were enjoying everything. I do not make it out to Chicago as often as I would like, but from now on I will make a point of having dinner here every time I am in town for a visit. I cannot wait to come back again.
(5)Jacquelyn G.
I wanted to go to this place back when it was just Perennial, and finally went now that it's Perennial Virant. My girlfriends and I had an 8:45 reservation and our table wasn't ready when we got there, so we waited in the lounge and had a drink--no big deal. The lounge space is nice, but there's a lot of open space where I feel like they could've probably had a few more tables. There's ample seating, but as it was we snagged the last table on a Saturday night. We didn't have to hang out in the lounge too terribly long before we were whisked to our dinner table. I really like the decor and feel of this place--understated elegance maybe? It's decorated really simply and tastefully but has somewhat of a fancy feel to it, but it isn't, as is evidenced by the servers wearing the uniform of all hipsters--plaid shirts and skinny jeans. I don't know why that bugged me so much but it just didn't "go". Onto the important part--the food. My GFs and I shared: crispy carnaroli rice, bar snacks, king's wings and fried green tomatoes. We each had our own "main" dish - scallops, sturgeon and beef loin. One of the gals commented that while the main dishes were lovely, she would've been satisfied with just sharing some more of the smaller plates because they stole the show--agreed. The crispy rice was without a doubt the table's favorite. It's cheesy and crispy and gooey and just delicious. I also really loved the bar snacks--especially the crispy kale. It was so incredibly light and crispy I felt like I was eating space food or something--but loved it. I didn't care for the fried green tomatoes at all. Just too much going on with them--some kind of sauce, some type of meat, some type of pea. The tomato just got lost in it all. We also shared some lemony butter pound cake which was good. I don't typically order dessert at restaurants because I'm usually underwhelmed by it, and that was the case here, but it was good. And a nice little taste of sweet to end the meal. I'm giving them four stars because the service is almost too overbearing. We had a super friendly and helpful waiter, but also 10 other people servicing our table for water, drinks, etc. etc. etc. It was just too much. And they all hover around so you feel like they are watching your every move (because they are). I certainly appreciate good service, but I think they could bring it down just a notch. Also I would love if they found a uniform that didn't involve plaid shirts and skinny jeans.
(4)matthew b.
I really wanted to give this place only two stars for the service because our host was so bad. A 30 minute wait past our reservation time only earned my wife and I seats placed awkwardly across from another couple, instead of you know, each other. But a quick complaint got us seats outside and our waiter was so welcoming and enthusiastic for the food, he deserves five stars. The food itself is stellar. We had the crispy rice (cheesy and amazing), the pork scaloppini milanese (good but not great), the short ribs (great), and the gnocchi (the stand out in meal of stand outs). Combine that with an excellent beer list with lots of budget friendly options and we'll definitely be back.
(4)Kristen H.
Last night I visited here with friends from out of town. They made the reservation as they had gotten recommendations to visit. While very trendy and hip, some of the food didn't quite live of to the hype and expectations I had of this place. Personally, I visit places for the food and the ambiance and crowd are extra bonuses. I shared a few things: bar snacks, roasted fall squash, gnocchi and the walleye pike. I'll start with the bar snacks which consisted of fried pickles, corn nuts and deviled eggs. The fried pickles, all I could taste was the breading and not the pickle - sad b/c I love pickles. The corn nuts were fun - some spicy others sweet. The deviled egg - something was off. Sometimes if it ain't broke, don't change it & keep it simple. The squash was good, but I felt it was overwhelmed by the amount of moon glow cheese. The cheese itself was tasty as it was creamy & sweeter (the waiter informed us that they brush it with pears), but it just overtook the squash flavor that I wanted to melt in my mouth. The gnochhi was delish - hands down my favorite thing we ordered. The combo of smoked cheddar, ham and creme fraiche was paired together nicely. Finally, the walleye pike was cooked perfectly and the hush puppies that accompanied it were fun too (hadn't had hush puppies in forever). Overall, it's another place that's hyped up, but needs to step it up just a tad more to get that additional star. The service though was good despite the bar forgetting my beer.
(3)Kero P.
delicious
(5)Jim C.
went for Sunday brunch - smaller portions, overly priced - food well done, properly prepared - no server over 25, but water glasses filled and checked on regularly - nice room, probably better for a classy date in the evening
(3)Becca H.
I went to Perennial Virant with my two room mates last weekend for a celebratory meal/ splurge. We had a 9:00 reservation on a Saturday night, and the place was definitely still crowded but nothing ridiculous. The restaurant itself has a very home-y vibe to it, and is really cute. I liked that the lights weren't super dim, and it never felt pretentious like some of the other trendier restaurants in Chicago. Everyone who we interacted with who worked there were very friendly and knowledgeable. Our waitress seemed so passionate about the food when discussing the specials and her favorite cocktails and entrees. The cocktails were excellent. Definitely bang for your buck, they're about $12 each I think, but they're strong. The summery ones were very light and delicious. For the three of us, we shared a Medium plate, the gnocchi, which was AMAZING. It was perfect to split between the three of us as our appetizer. Then we each ordered our own Large plate. I tried the salmon which was so fresh and delectable. My room mates tried the whitefish and the eggplant chorizo dish, both of which were also amazing. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant! It was definitely a splurge for three girls with entry level jobs and a stiff budget, but I would definitely recommend it as a place to go with friends, a date, or with family.
(5)Susan A.
My husband and I had a spectacular dinner at Perennial Virant in mid-October. The service was attentive, but with a light touch. And the food was wildly tasty! The rabbit "gnudi" was our favorite, but we loved it all. Will return again in a heartbeat next time we are in Chicago!
(5)Lois B.
It is the best! Don't miss this great food...
(5)Colleen N.
If you go to brunch and you do not get the potatoes, you are a fool. They are one of the greatest things I have ever tasted. The cheese is just terrific and make them extra special. My eggs were good and my friend's skillet looked, smelled, and supposedly tasted amazing. Our server was super nice and figured out our timing very easily. My friends had the rhubarb honey mimosas which they loved while I went with a screwdriver. I absolutely loved this place and cannot wait to go back for brunch very soon!
(5)Maureen K.
Had a great experience there! Great food. Great atmosphere. Service was outstanding. Very Knowledgable staff.
(4)Colleen M.
Had a wonderful brunch at Perennial Virant this weekend and can't wait to go back! We've been here for dinner a few times, which was also amazing, but loved the fact that we could bring our son and a beautiful Sunday morning, sit outside, and enjoy Paul Virant's amazing food! We tried a few different menu items, but the skillet, french toast, and sticky bun were our favorites. The service is just right and the ambiance is perfect. We couldn't be happier with the new PV. Way to go, Chef Virant!
(5)Stefanie P.
Just came back from Perennial Virant. What a disappointing experience. I loved the old Perennial so I had high hopes for this place. The food was only ok, nothing to write home about. The bothersome thing is that the concept of small plates completely seemed to by pass them (other than the dishes being small with an entree price tag). My husband and I ordered three dishes to share, with the intention of ordering more (just like at other small plate restaurants). However, as the meal progressed, we lost interest in prolonging the experience. Each dish was served as if it was it's own course, split between the two of us, rather than just bringing them out as the kitchen prepared them. Given how long this process took, we decided to cut our losses and have some cheese and crackers at home rather than wait for additional dishes to be prepared. I don't think we will be back.
(2)Lyn W.
A remarkable experience. Outstanding food and service, beautiful comfortable decor. Terrific cocktails. Seated on time. We let our server Chris select for the four of us. 12 different plates shared so we tasted about everything. Standouts: spring peas, scallops, walleye, rice dish (can't remember name). Food served timely, excellent pace. Absolutely wonderful birthday celebration. For us, this outshines The Girl & The Goat which we found totally overrated. Lyn W.
(5)Paul T.
I met a friend for dinner here about a month ago. I ordered the hush puppy appetizer and had a pork tenderloin entree. The hush puppies were boring, but the pork tenderloin was downright terrible. The tenderloin was thin and tough! Tenderloin is NOT supposed to be tough. The tenderloin I get from the grocery store is way better. The only reason I am giving 2 stars and not 1 is because the service was efficient and the decor is nice. Based on my experience, I cannot recommend Perennial Virant.
(2)Maddie R.
Great little place! We came in for brunch this afternoon and were very happy with everything! I love the interior design! The mason jar lighting is super cute. We made reservations ahead of time, so we didn't have to wait at all once we arrived. The service was very good! Our waiter checked in with us regularly and never let our water glasses get below half-full. One of our party even wanted a pecan sticky bun to go, and our waiter even held the very last one out to make sure she got it. Everything on the menu sounded awesome and I love how the ingredients are locally sourced. I got to try the PV omelet, which came with pork loin, chevre, pesto, and market vegetables, as well as the 3-egg skillet with corn chow chow, bacon, and a capriko topping. The omelet was tasty; the flavors all worked really well together. I preferred the skillet, however, which had a nice richness to it. The homefries were tasty as well, but nothing particularly special. Overall, a really nice experience with some delicious food.
(4)Jennifer M.
Went here on a Friday night with a few friends to celebrate a birthday and it was a wonderful experience. The portions are a bit smaller than I like however were extremely tasty. For 6 of us, we split a few appetizers and entrees. They also brought out some complimentary cookies for the birthday girl which were awesome! For apps, we started with the Rice Cake, Potato Gnocchi, and Pickled Perch salad. For entrees, we ordered 2 orders of the Chicken Ballotine and an order of the Fettuccini. Even though we all didn't want to eat too much, I would've ordered one more Fettuccini from a quanitity standpoint. The Fettuccini defintely had a strong different flavor to it; that one we were split on, some loved it, some not so much. We also ordered a side of the Kale and we were all hooked on it. It had a garlic flavor to it and was soft but crunchy. YUM. We all agreed the chicken was very good as well. Beautiful restaurant!
(4)Elizabeth C.
To be fair, I've been to Perennial Virant a few times, all for brunch. This review is based on my most recent visit, and unfortunately the food experience was just terrible. Ambiance for brunch is great, you don't have to wait for 3 hours to get a table, and the staff is always pleasant. This time I ordered the PV Omelet, and honestly I don't think I've ever had such a terrible "omelet" in my entire life. A rubbery, flat folded egg, with some random carrots (I think?) stuck inside. At least 4 other people at my table ordered the same thing and every single one of us thought it was terrible. The other items I've had during previous visits were great, so I was sad to have such a negative experience. Time to step it up, PV! I know you can do better!
(3)Hayley N.
Was beyond impressed with the deliciousness and presentation. The service was also fantastic for a big group of rowdy girls. I believe our server was Keta? Great service.
(5)Christie M.
This place is truly special. My husband and I had absolutely horrible service, had our entire meal comped by the manager, and I still feel compelled to give it 4 stars. I have been here before and loved this place, but had never sat outside on their patio for brunch, which in my opinion, the real reason you go to perennial virant. I had really wanted to bring my husband here during the summer, and we had been planning for several months to have brunch at PV and today was finally the day. We enjoyed their seasonal mimosa (similar to a red wine sangria) and their traditional mimosa, along with a sicky bun to start, PV omelette (changes frequently) and the strawberry French toast. The food was absolutely divine, and not marred by the very poor service. When we had gotten seated on the patio, there were very few tables out there, and yet from the beginning, our waiter was MIA. We even had another server come by and check on us since our drinks had not arrived. Fast forward 40 minutes and our entrees had still not come. But, it was a gorgeous day, I was enjoying my mimosa and not too bothered about it, until I saw two tables that had come in after us had already gotten their food. After another 10 minutes, we asked another waiter to get our server for us to inquire about the delay. Eventually we received our food with barely an apology from our server for our long wait. Fortunately, a breakfast manager came over to our table and apologized profusely. She comped our entire meal and gave us two $10 coupons to come back for brunch again. As I said, I am a huge fan of this place and believe our experience with this waiter in particular was a one-off. I will definitely be back for brunch in the future.
(4)Heather G.
My husband and I went for dinner the day before Valentine's Day. Overall a good experience. I don't typically eat (or like) bone marrow, but my husband ordered it and I tried it and actually enjoyed it. We also ordered the gnocchi as an appetizer and it was AMAZING. Probably the best gnocchi we have ever had. I ordered the pork and my husband got the whole rainbow trout and both were very good dishes. We finished up with a cheese plate and dessert. The service was also good and attentive. Overall we were impressed!
(4)Connie Y.
Came here with reservations for a Saturday brunch with some friends. We started off with the housemade donut and sticky bun. Definitely preferred the sticky bun over the doughnut. While their donut was good and I am a big fan of sour cream old-fashioned donuts (which it essentially was), I thought I could get the same - if not actually better - at Dunkin...also for much less. Some of my friends commented at how they thought it would be more moist considering it was housemade. I ordered the chicken fried steak which was okay, not quite as good as I had imagined it would be, but I definitely loved the mashed potatoes that it came with. Rich with flavor and super creamy! I think I actually enjoyed my friends' choices better. Two of them ordered the PV omelet and one of them ordered the egg skillet. The omelet was so fluffy and big! The egg skillet, though seemingly simple, was really good with the asparagus and spinach that accompanied it. The slices of bread that both dishes came with were also very good too. We all pretty much ordered the coffee which I wasn't a big fan of. Overall, while the food was pretty good and I would return for a second visit, there are other brunch places that I've enjoyed much more.
(3)Kori E.
My parents came into town for my birthday a few Sundays ago and we came here for brunch! There was a group of 9 of us and our server was great - eccentric - but great!! We started off with the donut and sticky bun and both were great. Everyone pretty much switched it up for their mains, but I got the 3 egg skillet and it was delicious - just a little heavy for my stomach that morning. My BF got the steak and eggs and his was delish!! I really liked his. All and all, I think everyone was very pleased with their meals. But, I must note, the bloody Mary's are kinda weird. I don't know that I would order another.
(4)Joseph L.
Went here for brunch on a Saturday morning. Sat outside and it was a great atmosphere. Until the service started and food came. It seemed as if all the real waiter called in sick and they had substitutes filing in. I had up to 3 different waiters at any given time asking me all the same questions. They spilled our drinks right in front of us. They brought out jam and butter, but no bread? We were confused. Even if there was bread it wouldn't have matter b/c there was no silverware or napkins. I can get over service, I can't get over the terrible food. I ordered an omelet. There are two omelets on the menu, they brought out the wrong one and it was disgusting. It was dry eggs with some pesto sauce inside of it and some really really dry "prosciutto" on top. The potato wedges literally seemed like they had been sitting out since 6:30 that morning, I am surprised I didn't chip a tooth eating them. My wife had the biscuits and gravy and it was decent but over all just whatevs. Service: 2 Food: 1.5 Atmosphere: 3.5 Value: 2.5 Hope this helps. After all this I would still go back in a pinch (a big pinch) b/c the location is great and I enjoyed the outdoor seating.
(2)Leah R.
I dined here with my in laws over the weekend. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and attentive. Food was fresh and flavorful. I had sea scallops and my husband had the sausage. The beet salad was also very tasty. The menu changes with the season and what can be bought fresh. Portions are not huge but food is very good and everyone left full. We will be coming back! Great place to take visitors for a nice dinner out!
(4)Jeffrey Z.
Terrible brunch. The grits tasted like pure bacon (which is not what I want in grits). I had the steak and eggs. The steak was overcooked and flavorless. Service was mediocre. I would never come here for brunch again and I've never been impressed by the dinner.
(2)Susan R.
Restaurant Week dinner was fabulous. Portions were perfect. Will definitely return to order off the regular menu. Beet salad was delicious, the parisian gnocchi were very different from Italian and were scrumptious, and the scallops were perfection. I managed to also finish the bite size portion of panna cotta. Hubby was happy to have a good selection of beer as well.
(5)Stephen P.
I went back to this gem after a pretty negative experience. The food was as great usual and the team truly made sure that I quickly forgot my previous experience. Thank you PV for making it up and making me a loyal customer.
(5)Elaine S.
This place is such a gem. The waitstaff was fantastic - big props to my waitress Kate for making our brunch a memorable one! I highly recommend the doughnut (stuffed with toasted marshmallow fluff, WHAT?!).
(5)Kay N.
FOOD: always, ALWAYS amazing. SERVICE: hit or miss. See below The good: When they're on, they are ON. I think they must have their A-team working the patio on weekends for brunch, because this is always where I've had the best experience. They are attentive without being invasive, and the drinks are ever-flowing. The bad: Sometimes, we wait a little too long for drinks. Or we're visited by one too many people. Or the wait staff seems just a little drained. The ugly: Worst experience - in one single visit - included: -- Our conversation was interrupted almost constantly by the staff -- And I mean the ENTIRE staff. Not just our server, but 2 or 3 hostesses, a manager, and someone refilling water. All of them asking "how is everything?" (Stop. Asking.) -- Our cocktails were cleared before they were empty -- Other cocktails were brought so late in the meal, we were already waiting for the check -- Awkwardness / lack of "touch." One person in our group ordered just an appetizer, saying: "I'll start with that and see how I feel." Our waitress proceeded to swing by the table every few minutes to ask, "so? how do you feel?"even before the appetizer had arrived, and again just a moment after it had, when we had scarcely taken a bite.
(3)Lauren R.
My husband and I visited PV for Restaurant Week specifically because they had a great pescatarian/mainly vegetarian menu, and my red meat-eating husband was as blown away as me! From the first moment checking in the host to our fabulous waitress and wait staff, I thought the employees at PV were extremely kind and attentive. My water glass was always full! First course: beet salad and it was delicious. Second course (best course): mushroom gnocchi with so much flavor and local vegetables that we wanted seconds. Third Course: Scallops - perfectly cooked, would have wanted a bit more of the delish sauce. Fourth Course (2nd best course): Honey Lemon Curd Panna Cotta - perfect balance in texture between a flan and cheese cake. I also was not drinking that night, but the mocktail they prepared with ginger beer and lemon was spot on - I felt like I was drinking a regular cocktail. Overall, great service, great food, great atmosphere. We will be back!
(5)Joel G.
Always an excellent meal at this place. I went with my buddy for chef week and it delivered as usual. Great cheese selection off the app list and the wine list is solid as well. Can't comment on the normal menu as its been several months since i ate here but it was very good. The chef week selection was very good with the scallops being the dish of choice. They were some of the biggest scallops I have seen recently dining out and they were cooked to perfection. Really impressed considering it was a chef week special. Recommend this place and they have some nice outdoor seating as the weather improves and the JParker on the roof of the building is a great after dinner bar. Wonderful views and nice to walk through the park after dinner as well.
(4)Jay R.
Atmosphere is comfortable open airy with lots of windows that look onto street neat city view to watch. Decor is a kind of chic but comfortable feel I call it. Service was good and our server was very knowledgeable about the menu down to ingredients used in each dish, this was helpful to us because of food allergy & dislikes. Food Jar Snacks- fried pickles, egg salad and pork loin all good but nothing that unique or with flavors that made you start shaking your head like a bobble head doll in a earthquake. ( fried pickles are served everywhere) Hushpuppies- Yummity yum yum yum!!! Do get these they are nice crispy corn deep fried yumminess for sure, It's served with a relish with smoky pork in it that is spectacular. I could just imagine myself eating these on a back woods porch saying nothing but uh huh fried hushpuppies. 5 star good ***** Crispy rice cake- very interesting dish the pea shoots add a fresh flavor and the home made pickled beans where fantastic, nice balance to the crispy rice cake, good dish. My only issue with our apps and maybe our problem how we ordered - fried pickles, fried hushpuppies, fried rice cake. to much fried. Good as it all was to much fried for a refined menu. Main Event- Beef loin- Beef came out perfectly cooked cut in slices. The fried kale it came with was so good a place serving this would be a contradiction in eating healthy like when I told my mom I was at the library when I was in college ( the library bar that was haha) I am eating Kale mom haha. The arugula and basil mayo was also good but the basil mayo hide the flavor of the steak not good to do with a good piece of steak. Sockeye salmon I had a taste of very good but the relish seemed over powering and to strong and it did not get eaten. Hominy was crunch nice texture very good. My only gripe with this place is it is expensive. Maybe I am turning into my dad but the least expensive entree item on the dinner menu is a tomato tart at 24 bucks, everything else is in the 30s. Cost with apps, wine ect you will be at just shy of 200 bucks out the door for a couple. OK maybe I am turning into my dad cause I remember when you could get dinner for 2 for 15 bucks and we came home with left overs, which we had to carry walking into the wind and up hill both ways.
(4)Katelyn W.
Another great experience. This place is the real deal. I have had both brunch and dinner and I am always pleasantly surprised with the freshness and flavor of the dishes. This time we sat at the bar. I wish I would've gotten the bartenders name. She had short dark hair and was excellent. Made sitting at the bar feel like we were getting the full experience. I would recommend sitting by a window as the people watching is great. For brunch their mimosas are good. This place is a bit pricey but I'd say worth every penny. I had an omelette with pesto and home fries. There is nothing greasy or over oiled about this. I believe they change the menu frequently so I would recommend anything. All good!
(5)Jacob S.
Wow. PV got ROBBED at this year's Michelin awards. I cannot believe it did not receive a star. One of the best dining experiences I've ever had (and I work at a 2 Michelin star restaurant...). The staff was amazing (the guy knew EVERYTHING about the everything), impressive wine list and had a fun, fresh, creative, filling, menu with a flavorful take on pickled food. Get the Crispy Carnaroli rice cake. You will not regret it. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION! Such a beautiful building and romantic neighborhood. Ok, here's what you do: Get a date, walk through the zoo, go up to the top floor of Hotel Lincoln to J. Parker for a drink and unparalleled view of the lake, zoo, park, city etc. Head downstairs for an incredible meal, thank me in the morning.
(5)S L.
I wish I could create words to express how amazing this food is. The drinks are also phenomenal. Not only are the ingredients of extremely high quality, the tastiness of this food is unbelievable. I thought I've had some good food in Chicago. I had no idea this flavor journey was right down the street from me. You may look at the menu and think it looks a little pricey but I assure you, it isn't. The quality is far superior to anything in this price range. Katie was our server and she's just delightful and professional at the same time. Very impressed.
(5)Joey L.
The location is great right by the park and lake. However the service is slow, not friendly and staff came across as rude. The food was simply awful. I am from Chicago and was looking forward to enjoying Sunday brunch there with friends. A table of four all agreed the entire experience was less than satisfactory. Don't waste your time there for breakfast. Sad that the lovely space and corner location is wasted. New staff n chef and we will give it another try.
(1)Lily P.
Donuts were good and some of the other pastries are sold out fast! I was trying to figure what to get and my coworker got the biscuit and gravy which was good (even though the presentation was not). Corned beef hash was the breakfast of my choice. It was very good and meaty. I can see this being a girl brunch location as it was very beautiful and girly inside. It reminded me more of a nice hotels lobby bar.
(3)Chip H.
I'm not giving it a Michelin award.... but as far as a great meal at a gorgeous restaurant, with fantastic service goes, this place hits the mark. Everything was delicious. Particularly loved (and I mean LOVED) the ice cream sandwich! Perfect for a important night or wining and dining that special someone.
(5)Jill S.
One of my best dining experiences ever!!!We were greeted by friendly, outgoing staff. The meal was truly unique and bursting with creative artistic flavors. We were served promptly and timely, never waiting nor rushed. Ambiance is upscale, stylish and fashionable. PV had a full house on Saturday night...understandable, considering they have EVERY base covered. Can't wait to return!!!! P.S. Feel so lucky to reside in PV neighborhood! P.SS Can't wait to try the Sunday brunch, I've been hearing nonstop RAVE reviews!!!
(5)Yvonne B.
Exquisite decor and posh furniture coupled with the jovial din of banter and the muffled underbelly of club music provided the setting for brunch at the Perennial Virant. Classy Gen-Xers and the single, gray-haired gentleman reading the newspaper on his iPad were our extras. Vibrant staff were the orchestrators. Looking out at Lincoln Park in the spring while we were enveloped by the Perennial Virant for brunch made me feel like I'd walked into a cut scene from "Cruel Intentions." M ordered a mimosa and I had a Bloody Mary (see my picture). The Bloody Mary was made with freshly pureed tomatoes and was garnished with a sliver of beet. M thought it tasted like shrimp cocktail sauce and I conceded. Fortunately for me, I like cocktail sauce, but several other Bloody Mary's are far superior to the one from Perennial Virant. It was the food that was the shining star of our brunch. M had steak and eggs. She greedily consumed the potatoes, cheese curds, and hollandaise sauce that covered an egg and her steak. The steak was well-done even though she specifically requested it to be medium rare. The server nodded knowingly and explained that such a thin slice of meat is barely cooked anyway. Au contraire! Besides that affront, M felt as if this brunch food was only surpassed by the glory of Longman and Eagle. My Laughing Bird Shrimp and Grits and side of bacon (see my picture) was heaven to behold and devourer. I must admit that I got it because I was tickled by the name, but I would get it again and again and again. The bacon, well. I got that because I always get bacon. The grits came almost like a slice of square polenta and was topped with tomatoes, shrimp, and other niceties that blended beautifully both visually and delectably. If I didn't know better, I would say that the bacon was grilled pork belly except with more meat and less fat. It was not your regular side of bacon, that's for sure! I would say that Perennial Virant is easily in our top three brunch places. I mean, if we're going to spend about $55 for two people for brunch, Perennial Virant is in that particular category.
(4)Kris U.
Attached to my fave hotel in Chicago (Hotel Lincoln) I sauntered down to the Perennial Virant one morning during my stay in Chicago last November for a quick breakfast for one. Matching the beauty and cool vibe of the Hotel Lincoln I was really impressed with the decor and layout of PV. It was very classy (almost to much for me). Unfortunately as it's been 4-5 months since my last visit I only have a couple of my notes to go on to remind me about my experience. What I do recall is the food and the super Friendly staff. I was the only person in the restaurant that morning and I was treated like I was the only person in the world. My server, the manager and another staff member all came by to check on me at different points. Huge points! As for the food here I had PV omelet and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The Omlet ($13) was made with 3 eggs, prosciutto, mouton frais, shaved summer vegetables, pesto and served with a side of toast! A VIR-tual explosion of flavour in my mouth. And in addition the freshly squeezed OJ was one of the freshest and tastiest I've had outside of the state of Florida! If in Chicago and near Lincoln Park I heartily recommend you pay this place a visit - delish! Eatcrest Out!
(5)Yasmin C.
Omg...came here to overindulge on Saturday brunch, and we did just that and more. I'm not sure I knew it was possible to engage in such extreme gluttony and still return home with about two days' worth of leftovers. My friend and I showed up a bit late for our reservation but were greeted courteously despite that. The restaurant is really beautiful and spacious and well-lit, upscale without being pretentious, since the staff is so friendly. We were seated by a window and given our menus so that the gluttony could ensue. We started with a traditional bloody Mary for each...savory, spicy, and delish. My friend, the Lincoln Park resident, had heard great things about the donuts so we ordered one of those (cranberry with fig filling), not realizing ahead of time the monstrosity of the portion. We also ordered biscuits and gravy, French toast, and a side of homefries (because my friend raved about the cheese curds). Highlights? Pretty much everything. The donut was unbelievable (albeit massive) and unique...as was the chicken sausage gravy served with the biscuits...and the cheese curds and potatoes were, as projected, amazing. The French toast pretty much went untouched, since it came last and we were already stuffed to the brim, though we each took one bite so that we could sample the delicious carrot jam and cream cheese glaze. SO good. We boxed up the rest of that and of the large serving of potatoes and then rolled out of there after paying. REALLY loved this brunch! Super friendly staff, great ambiance, and amazing food! If I lived here, this was for sure be a regular spot for me!!
(5)Jenny H.
Eat what you can, can what you can't! I was told that Perennial used to follow a menu chalk full of plates to share. While long gone, offerings have since followed a more simplistic structure. We arrived for dinner on a Sunday night soaked in the plush yet minimalist, rural-rustic charm. GNOCCHI I haven't had many gnocchi encounters in my life, but this easily tops the list! Light and soft, with great pieces of smoked salmon. RAINBOW TROUT Crisp yet tender and complemented surprisingly well with the textures and tastes of the buckwheat croutons and roasted wheatberries. Since we were strapped for time we skipped dessert, though the menu looked rather promising. I loved admiring the array of jars adorning one of the walls-- a showcase of Virant's dedication to the process of pickling. Repeat trip for gnocchi and dessert!
(4)Hildy W.
Visited this place last Saturday, and still having good feelings of just thinking back on it ! The dinning experience is amazing from champagne toast on roof top for starters to entering the beautiful restaurant a wonderful combo of rustic meets modern. The atmosphere is chic and filled with beautiful people. Every bite was deliciouso. Must have the chucutery! The manager Jason treats you like family, and staff is attentive and knows exactly what you must taste!
(5)Bessie R.
The food was incredible!! I am only giving 4 stars due to how small the portions were given the high prices. Also, I love that they are a dog friendly restaurant! we brought our chocolate labs with it and was so nice to sit outside and eat with our dogs!!
(4)Kelsey S.
I just went to Perennial Virant for brunch for my sister's birthday. It was easy to get a reservation and they made her birthday special! The decor is clean, sanitary, welcoming, and they played great music the whole time. The mimosas were to die for, especially the seasonal plum mimosa (which we indulged in more than one). The staff was attentive but gave us plenty of time to talk and relax together without being intrusive. The staff was easy to talk to and made our experience more than pleasant. The food, my sister got the biscuits and gravy. The biscuits were buttery, flakey, and the perfect accompaniment to the gravy which was rich in flavor but not cream based. I had the breakfast plate which was eggs, home fries, cheese curds, and toast. Everything was cooked perfectly, seasoned well and the portions were just right. We received a complimentary plate of cinnamon bread and jam for her birthday which was crispy on the outside and soft and sweet in the inside, the raspberry and bourbon jam was sweet and tangy. I can't wait to go back and try the dinner menu!
(5)Kristina S.
Amazing food. Great service.
(5)HRH J.
Chicago is known for brunch. Went there to try it out. Place looked very nice and the menu, though with not many options, I thought they would be great. We ordered bloody Mary's and they were meh. Our friend ordered their fruity cocktail and he sent it back because of how excessively sweet it was and it had too much ice. We placed our order and waited long. Meanwhile they brought a plate with butter and what they said was a jam that the chef is known for... And no bread! I guess they expected us to stare at it. Food came almost 30 min later (only 3 dishes). When they arrived I asked about why they didn't give us bread and their answer was, "Well your plate brings bread". So why being the jam 30 min earlier???? The jam was sour and nothing special at all. I ordered the sausage and it was not good. Only ate one slice. Unevenly cooked, parts of it was pink, others burnt... Bad! Must had been frozen and tossed in a skillet. The potatoes with melted cheese were cold and my friends also were unsatisfied with their dishes. The oatmeal was plain and simple and the skillet was decent. Not going back. Not recommending. Sorry.
(2)Claire N.
In town from Miami for the national qualifier windy city volleyball tournament and thoroughly enjoying the culinary experiences of Chicago. After spending the morning at the zoo we were ready for a cozy spot for brunch. We had no reservations and just happened upon this amazing spot! We felt so lucky to be seated immediately in the coziest booth table with warm sunshine streaming in the window. We had tried to get in to a few other nearby places and everything was packed with long waits. The food and service were fabulous. We knew right after being seated that we were in good hands. I immediately noticed the fabulous cook book by the chef/owner on the side table and was intrigued. It was great to know we were in the hands of professionals! I had the chicken fried steak with egg and it was scrumptious. The tomatoes provided a burst of flavor on the side. The girls loved the ambiance and the lovely jam and fresh butter on the side. Everything was awesome.
(5)Michael L. And Michelle G.
So far we have only been there for breakfast, but it has wet our appetite for more. In the Lincoln Hotel, yes, it has a great room, windows all around looking onto Wells and Clark and Lincoln. For summer, outside atmosphere, exquisite with its wood furniture, plants and overhead arbor for sun or shade your choice. For inside the room is simple with Edison lights, elegant and peaceful. The food is actually purchased every morning fresh from the farmers market across the street on Saturdays anyway. So their menu of creative corn bread with eggs, the PV omelet, short ribs, and extraordinary items rock like a 5 star menu, but for breakfast at breakfast prices. The best part is their sweet choices, like their ever present, baked almost that moment sticky buns, soft and drenched in fresh caramel sauce and nuts...always a starter for us. Wait staff, outstanding and friendly and they do remember you. Go for breakfast, and you too will be slating dinner next. Keep up the awesome simplicity and freshness that delivers and intrigues. Michelle G. Agreed. The sweet roll is delicious but the patty melt was a little salty... and a patty melt is a Michelle favorite.
(5)Comensal A.
We enjoyed Perennial Virant on our first visit, an early weeknight. The staff members were all congenial and helpful, the setting is warm (if not cozy), and the food was enjoyable. The chef is known for his interest in pickling and fermentation, and this was evident throughout the menu. The tang was skillfully incorporated into the dishes we had (not the case in a recent visit to A10, where the sharpness overwhelmed other notes in the food). A mixed greens salad was remarkably fresh, and featured a nice balance between pickled tomato vinaigrette and fresh cheese. Similarly, braised veal shank combined pickled ramp relish with creamy polenta and parmesan to good effect (though the veal was a bit stringy/chewy). The star of our show was barley pappardelle with venison sausage, mushroom conserve, and delightful chestnuts -- hearty, yet nuanced, and pasta-perfect. We finished with a chocolate tiramisu (pretty, though tiny) and cappuccino (drab). The prices are appropriate to the food & service, though it's not a cheap date place by any means. Portions were ample (save the dessert, which was small for $10). The global wine list is well-chosen, though slightly pricey, generally proceeding up from the mid-$40s. There are many intriguing choices on the menu, especially among the small plates -- I'll look forward to coming back to explore further...
(4)Jenn H.
Went for Sunday brunch on 6/14 and the service was tremendously slow. We had a party of 9 seated at 1:00 just as the morning rush was dying down. It took our server an hour to take our order and within that hour we only had 1 drink order taken. Food was average. Overpriced and slow service, just another allegedly cool place to brunch. Won't be back.
(2)Eli H.
We just came here for breakfast since we were staying at the hotel upstairs, but would definitely come back just to eat. Great ingredients, super fresh and creative twists on staples. My one complaint was that I never got a coffee refill but that seems like an anomaly. Overall great!
(4)Lily S.
Soon after my first review of the brunch at Perennial Virant, management contacted me, apologized profusely and sent gift cards inviting me to come back. Always nice to see management paying attention. This weekend, one friend and I went back for dinner. This experience was much better, food was delicious. Wine was good, service was friendly and attentive. Water glasses were always filled. We started with the crispy canaroli rice cake which was very good, hot and fresh. I had the scallop entree and my friend had the beef tenderloin. We both enjoyed them, cooked perfectly. The hollandaise on the beef was really good. We had the sunchoke fries too, they were good, not great. Finished off with dessert - tiramisu, chocolate chip cookies and vanilla ice cream, all good. Everything had lots of flavor, which was exactly what was missing from the bland brunch we had before. Really appreciative of the invitation to return, definitely impressed with dinner. Maybe time to revamp the brunch menu, add a little more flavor. An egg dish with the hollandaise that was served with the steak would be much better than anything we had before.
(4)Berat U.
My first time in the restaurant. Had brunch, PV Omelet. Omelet was good, creatively complemented with pesto and pickled veggies but the potatoes served with cheese curds were overly fried, soaked with oil. Disappointment. Most brunch dishes are served with these home fries potatoes so definitely needs attention. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive, and offered us a complimentary desert. Atmosphere is good but please stop playing oldies..
(4)Adam Y.
Extremely delicious dinner. Another farm to table concept. A must try for a classy dinner out with the lady or gentleman of your choice. Again, like the family did in Rustic House, we ordered as many of the recommended entreas as possible, we had one missing, so we ended up sharing 7 different meals, but we ordered two Beef Stroganoff. The Walleye Pike (my personal favorite), Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Beef Stroganoff (the tables overwhelming favorite, I think it was 6 to 1), Pealmeal Bacon, and finally the Cassoulet, (which was a close second). The atmosphere is laid back yet classy and rustic chic, I guess that's "in" now too, I've now seen it in Chicago, NY and Miami Beach. Overall, the meal was so good, if anything was amiss I didn't notice.
(4)Donna M.
Dined here last night with a group of about 25. Everything was excellent...the atmosphere, the wait staff, appetizers all the way through to the dessert. We had a five course meal and the courses were wonderful...especially liked the rice cake and also the scallops.Setting up the group event was effortless as well...working with Taylor. Kate our main server was fabulous and Paul the chef/partner came out to chat and was charming. Highly recommend this restaurant. We went upstairs to the rooftop to the J. Parker after dinner and it was fun. Can't wait to go back when the weather is warmer for the outdoor area.
(5)Marci R.
Meh? Food was decent (I just had the farmer's breakfast - eggs, sausage and home fries with cheese curds) but the service was extremely slow. Nothing was really bad but just not sure it is worth the money.
(3)Elise K.
A unique characteristic of this restaurant is that everything is local - the furthest ingredient when we visited was from Minnesota. I made a reservation for 6 to celebrate restaurant week with friends. Our party ended up being 4 in the end, but Perennial Virant was very accommodating when I called in advance to let them know. They also called to confirm my reservation in advance two days and then again the day before (when I missed their call). The four of us were a tad bit early (7:58), but we were seated exactly at 8 PM when our reservation was. We started with some drinks - I had a nice Sauvignon Blanc. The table shared the crispy herb parisienne gnocchi, river valley mushrooms, sarvecchio parmesan with the first course. The gnocchi melted in my mouth - very good, but not exactly heavy like most gnocchi. My personal first course was a winter squash (butternut) soup with heavy cream - delicious. My 2nd course was pan-roasted whitefish, ted's creamy polenta, house cured olives, preserved tomatoes, werp farm greens. The polenta was amazing and the fish good. We also split the rice dish that was recommended. We were told that it was prepared like a risotto but tossed with cheese curd - instead it was more like a breaded patty. It was served with greens and tangy green beans. I liked the green beans part. My final (3rd course) was rye flour crepes, brown butter ice cream, apple compote. It was very good and tasted like an apple pie. The ice cream tasted like creamy water though. Overall the food was good, the service was good as well. I'd love to go try brunch there!
(4)Kim K.
I am staying at the hotel. I had dinner upon checking in, which was not great, the Trout was dirty tasting, fried with the skin on one side. Sunchoke butter was bland. Nothing exciting about the menu...the decor and service was good, not great. I did not feel great the next day, so I ordered room service hoping for something better, I ordered the pasta and marinara sauce. The spices were so strong in the marinara I could not taste the wheat noodle. The Sunchoke Fries were dark blobs that were dry and over fried. Don't order these thinking they are fries, they are not. The bar was nice, the bread was amazing, a good choice for a first drink and then off you should go...otherwise you will pay too much for a very under whelming dinner. It should be 2.5 Stars, but I rounded up.
(3)Lyndsey G.
We went for brunch. The doughnut and the french toast were delicious, but the service was slow and it was difficult to get the waiter's attention. Also, the omelet was cool and cooked in a way that gave the eggs a strange texture. The outdoor seating was nice, but I've had better brunch.
(2)Greg V.
This place was recommended to me from a local CHI-towner. I really enjoyed the food and drinks. My girlfriend had the chicken dish and I had the sausage. Wow. This was one of the best meals I've had in a long time. You couldn't even tell that my girlfriend's dish was chicken because it was so flavorful. Our drinks were excellent too. This place definitely made my trip to Chicago that much better. I will definitely recommend this place to people in the future.
(5)Veronica S.
For the price, I think they fall short on flavor. I ate here for small dinner plates and brunch. I had the Parisian gnocci at dinner and the omelette at brunch. Both had good flavor elements but it was like they were trying too hard to be creative and landed on some strange cominations, and I am a more adventurous diner. I also ordered a bloody Mary with brunch and couldn't drink it. It is a homemade mix that tasted like in was heavy on some sort of pickled vegetable juice (brussels or asparagus) and horseradish. The one homerun was the strawberry rhubarb jam- delightful. Besides the food, it has excellent ambience especially at night. The staff were mostly unpretentious and knowledgeable with the exception of two very snooty brunch hour hosts. I watched them point a large group of people to their table rather than seat them. Hopefully, this review can serve as feedback for improvement, as I think this could be a top notch dining experience.
(3)William B.
I'm briefly suspending my rule against reviewing reviewing places that I go for work-related purposes because this one was just so good. I got my hopes up when I read through a cocktail list that had drinks that I was actually excited to order. (I ordered a "Wise Fool," an improbably combination of two whiskies, two sherries, and fernet branca, whose sheer improbability demanded that I order it.) It lived up to the billing. Appetizers were better than entrees, but all of them had intriguing vegetable elements. The pickled garlic accompanying my "gnocchi" was probably my favorite of the lot, followed shortly by the fried kale. I'd go into detail about the rest of the menu, but there's no point, since it changes sufficiently often. Suffice it to say that if you said you wanted to eat someplace in Chicago that specialized in cocktails and pickled vegetables, your friends should send you here.
(5)Roxie G.
Went here for brunch on St. Patrick's day. Had reservations and we were sat down right away. We started with the strawberry mimosas and the housemade doughnut and the citrus Danish. All were phenomenal. For my entree I decided to not go with the usual eggs benedict and ventured out a bit. Ordered the patty melt and it was to die for. It was made with caramelized onions and it was very juicy and delicious. Would go back to this place in a heartbeat
(4)Ben Y.
I enjoyed a fantastic Birthday Brunch! You can come here looking classy or from the gym(Though you probably only want to do this if you are eating outside). If the weather is nice the patio is the place to be; it's right across from Lincoln Park. I had the Chicken Fried Pork Loin with cherry tomatoes, corn, string beans over mashed potatoes. Super tasty and a generous portion. The biscuits and gravy were also a nice side item. I also enjoyed a jalapeno Tequila bloody Mary. It was by far the best I have had in the city and the garnishes were actually high quality meat and cheese unlike other places. I will definitely return here again. Also, we order Sticky Buns as an appetizer and my friend mentioned that is my birthday. The waiter brought the buns to the table with a candle in it and "Happy Birthday" written in Chocolate. It was super nice plus he gave us the appetizer for free!
(5)Linda P.
We had my grandson's communion party on May 3rd at this venue and it was the biggest rip off. The event planner charged for everything and was rude and uncompromising. She told us we had to be charged $3.00 per person to cut the cake even though we brought our own cake and cut it ourselves. It was terribly expensive and the food was horrible and the service was just as bad. They were totally disorganized and understaffed. We were supposed to get potatoes and they never came, the french toast was so hard you couldn't even cut into it and everything else was cold. I think that this restaurant should give some kind of credit for ruining our party. We will never go back.
(1)Rachel W.
100% blown away by Perennial Virant...I've dined at Vie, his michelin starred restaurant in Western Springs and it was great, but this is more of a concept that I am a fan of. The food was in season, local, and unique and delicious. Also, I am a huge fan of anything pickled, and Paul specializes in pickling, per our server. We had several appetizers, standouts were the gnocchi & fried Brunkow cheese curds/pickled squash/chickpeas. Entrees we shared the barramundi, pork confit, and market sides of carrots and greens. I don't eat meat, but the table devoured the pork; and I stole all the chickpea fritters off their plate. The roasted corn was caramelized and flavorful, as were the greens. Finally, we shared fried chevre w/honey & preserves, a scoop of peach ice cream which I swear tasted EXACTLY like a crazy ripe peach, and some blackberry tart which was phenomenal. Great service, they turned on the heater after overhearing I was cold, and it was a lovely setting. Highly highly recommend.
(5)Jaime G.
Cool little place to hang out for dinner in Lincoln Park. Great inventive menu, craft beer selection, wide variety of wine, and cool ambiance. Shout out to the tender beef stroganoff and rabbit bacon gnocchi. Yummy. Pair the both of them with an amber beer and we're in business. Not exactly kid friendly but they accommodated as best they could. Still, feel like the prices are high for what you get and outside of the two plates mentioned above, the rest of the food was bland and a little cold when it came out. Come to hang out for a drink but be selective about what you eat.
(3)Heather M.
WOW. This is by far the best brunch that I've had in Chicago. Cocktails were spot-on (what the eff is brunch without a good strong cocktail??) and the food was outrageous. I don't know if this is street legal, but somehow we were able to get a half order of the biscuits and gravy, and it was unreal. I think it's chicken or turkey sausage, so it *feels* a lot healthier than the averaged b&g. There was also a hint of vinegar or something in the gravy which cut through the fattiness. So perfect. Three egg omelet was simple, fresh and delicious. The fish with tomato sauce and eggs was out of this world. Topped off with a side of cheesy grits, we were in heaven. I would love to return for dinner to see what else they can do.
(5)Emma K.
Came here for brunch with my mom this past Sunday. We thought we had made reservations for Sunday at 10:30 am, but after some blank looks from the hostess and checking our confirmation email, we realized we had made our reservations for Monday instead. Oops! No problem though, we were seated immediately at a nice table by the window. The menu was small, but the waiter did a great job explaining that everything was based on what is currently in season. He came back over to answer any questions we had after he saw my mom googling some words we didn't recognize on the menu. My mom's breakfast was the winner - french toast with cranberry compote and candied walnuts. The raspberry mimosas were also delicious! I hadan omlette with pesto, cheese, prosciutto, and roasted root veggies. It was good, but did not blow me away. It was a perfect portion size so I did not waddle out of the restaurant as is the normal side effect of brunch.
(4)Ryan H.
Fabulous BLT sandwich. I always order two! Great place, decor and location near the lake. Highly recommend. To be honest I haven't tried anything else there, because I just love their BLT so much.
(4)Anne C.
Server was incredibly attentive and accomodating. He asked about allergies at the table and made great substitutions to suit our needs. Love the farm to table concept. We ordered midwestern cheeses which was great- honeycomb was nice addition. Apple salad was good as well- interesting with the salami addition! Also a pasta but it's not on the menu anymore. It was good, not great, and probably won't return. I've been to better "it" restaurants in Chicago.
(3)Chelle L.
Our Valentine's day at perennial was seriously amazing. Every course both my husband and I would say "OMG this is the best thing I've ever tasted", and then another course would come out and we'd so "no, this is the best thing I've ever tasted". Ambiance, service, and food were all amazing. We will definitely be hitting this restaurant up again.
(5)Rowena M.
Now that I've been here, I can cross it off my list but not sure I would rush back anytime soon. The food was good and unpretentious but of the many things we ordered, there wasn't a dish that I would call memorable, For starters, we actually ordered something from the "for sharing" section and that was the goat cheese served with some amazing brown bread, jam, and honey. I could eat this as a meal by itself. I was so excited about the oxtail and I didn't even mind that the meat was taken off the bone but th way it was prepared took all the goodness out of it and left it dry and overcooked. The chicken parm had a good twist of being served with kale. For dessert, we ordered 4 different things--- cookies, peach tiramisu, and some other type of tart - and again, nothing really spectacular. All in all, a good experience but I'm ready to move on to what's next on my list...
(3)Derek P.
Local, fresh ingredients. Good meal, good brunch drinks. Paleo friendly and sticky bun lover friendly. Patio situation looked legit but it was too foggy... A manager took care of our drinks for waiting and service was great overall. I'll be coming back in the summer once I hit my other brunch spots on the list.
(4)Jackie M.
Went for brunch awhile back to sit outside on the sidewalk and watch the Air and Water show. The place, as you can image, is a frou-frou, elegant affair. My only issue is the portions are teeny weeny - less than half the size of any brunch entree in the city. I hate the feeling of balancing hunger and having to slow down to prevent myself from devouring the entire plate in 10sec. The presentation is very simple, yet execution is still pleasant and in the end, I came out satisfied with the course. Definitely more on the scale of celebratory, romantic rendezvous or a place to entertain and impress.
(3)Robert W.
Excellent. Scallops were very good. As was the sunchoke appetizer. Service was also friendly, timely, and knowledgeable. And not too loud to bring a date or group.
(4)Brett F.
When the re-conceptualized Perennial dons a slightly changed moniker solely to include your moniker in it, well, I'm pretty sure that's how you know you've arrived. And arrived Paul Virant has! Not to diminish his Trotter, Ambria, Everest and Blackbird pedigree, but with his name (almost) literally flashing on the marquee, this is officially his show and it shows. Nothing fell short at both dinners I've experienced since the new reopening. As a matter of fact, visions of Crispy Pork Confit still dance through my head more frequently than most things I ate in 2011 (save for Next's Paris 1906 Caneton Rouennais à la Presse). Truly, the confit dish alone stands undeniably as one of the things my wet dreams are made of. The perfect balance of salty (that pork), crunchy (grilled cabbage), acidic (pickled tomato), rich (eggplant relish) and a creamy, piquant burst (spicy mayonnaise), make this plate something along the lines of "WHOA! Now that's effing delicious." Don't miss it. Equally as impressive for me were both the Lamb and Sausage Cassoulet - I'm a huge lamb fan and this was meaty, succulent, comforting perfection - and the Pan Roasted Fluke with Chow Chow and Bacon. Talk about Southern hospitality! The ingenuity of such down home flavors in what is certainly a remarkably contemporary environment really provided a fabulously creative, yet staggeringly simple collaboration. Inspired work. In addition to what you can already see is food I adore, is also service I appreciate and décor I wish would actualize itself into my home. Stat. Lovely experience. Can we go again?
(4)Mo L.
We dined here a few months ago, and it is a shame we haven't been back again. Soon. Everything about our experience was wonderful. We sat at the bar while waiting for our reservation and the bartender was helpful, entertaining and made one hell of a drink. Our waitress was outstanding, and steered us to some great dishes (gnocchi, goat, tomato salad, etc.). Everything we ate was delicious, though I never thought I'd be so excited about eating goat. It is a must try. We had a chance to visit with the Chef and he was so nice and welcoming. It was good to hear about his commitment to using local and sustainable produce. PV also pickles all of their fresh produce and uses it in the off season so you can get things there when they aren't in season. Neat! We will definitely be going back soon!
(5)Andrew W.
I'm laughing as I write this review. I lived in Chicago for 3 years and probably walked past Perennial Virant about 100 times without ever contemplating eating there. Needless to say, I stayed in Hotel Lincoln this past weekend and it was some ungodly temperature outside, so walking downstairs for dinner without getting all bundled up was the obvious choice. I digress. Anyway, as I read the reviews for Perennial Virant before ultimately deciding to eat there, there appeared to be two categories of reviewers: 1. Those who think Perennial Virant is the worst restaurant ever because it takes about 7 hours to get your food. 2. Those who think Perennial Virant deserves a Michelin star. I cannot attest to the views of those in the first category. I arrived around 10pm, was seated promptly, ate a 3-course meal, and paid by 11:20pm. To those of you who think Perennial Virant deserves a Michelin star, I have one question. Are you on crack? Alright, the appetizers were fine. Some kind of fried rice and cheese with arugula. And sunchoke fries with garlic aioli sauce, delicious. Now for the entrees. I sincerely hope the actual chefs at this restaurant didn't prepare these dishes. The trout tasted like "dirty sea water" according to my girlfriend, and I can't say I completely disagree with her. I traded her my scallop entree, but only because she looked miserable, and I had already tried the scallops. They tasted like absolutely nothing with very strong peppercorns (or some similar spice) on top. Honestly no clue what the vision was for either of these dishes. The ingredients did not go well together. The dishes did not taste good. Then we got the frozen key lime pie dessert and it was absolutely divine and one of the only reasons I'm going with 3 stars for this review. How did I forget about alcohol? The drinks I had were good. We came for breakfast the next morning. It was still cold and we didn't want to venture outside. Needless to say, breakfast was a huge improvement from dinner. Actually really good. Still, sadly not enough to redeem them for their sins of the night before. If you go for breakfast definitely get the sticky bun. Oh, if you stay at Hotel Lincoln you can order Perennial Virant room service. I'm not even gonna pretend we didn't order sunchoke fries and frozen key lime pie for room service later that day. And it came with their really great grain bread and cold, hard butter.
(3)Veronica S.
Ambience-pleasant cocktail selection-unappealing and very sweet apps-great selection, get the hush puppies entrees- meh. Very heavy handed. I had the spring fettuccine and it was unbelievably salty. My man had the white fish and it was fine, but not exceptional, everything had the same flavor. desserts- Were good and had the options of small portions, which was goof after being full, but still wanting a little something sweet. I excepted more for my money
(2)Fallon P.
I was working on hosting an event here for a customer meeting, and the staff was incredibly helpful in orchestrating this. We came in to test drive a lot of the food, and when the food was a bit delayed coming out, they gave us some complimentary wine. Then, the night of the event, we were seated right away, food was on the table (as we'd requested), and our server (Brian) was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Food highlights were the fried pickles on the Jar Snacks plate, the gnocchi, fried smelts, and the sturgeon. All the desserts were top notch - I wouldn't be able to pick a favorite! Would definitely come back for another business event, or a personal dinner.
(5)Jamie S.
This was a (hate to say it) a tiny bit of a let down. My colleagues and I were very excited about the food here, and loved the idea behind the restaurant. But the overall delivery was just kind of...meh. First, the good. The restaurant is really pretty. Its dark but has a casual, romantic quality. Feels very Chicago to me. Chairs are comfortable if you are going to hang out for a while at your table. The server was very cool and knowledgeable. She seemed relaxed and took good care of us. Also, we had reservations to see a show that night, and they were accommodating of the fact that we only had about 1.5 hour to dine. The scallops were fantastic, as were the hushpuppies. 2 people at my table ordered the handmade veggie fettuccine dish for their mains, and they said it was really awesome. Now, the meh. The drinks. Meh. I am a cocktail buff, and this had a lot of unique spirits, but it was a bit hard to order without asking on every cocktail, hey, what's this. I ended up with something that for all its unique liquors, ended up tasting like a martini. Just a plain martini. My friend got a daiquiri, and she didn't drink much of it. I didn't ask why. I got the sturgeon, and it was a little bit fishier than I like (fishy in the bad way, if that makes sense?) and was in a very sweet glaze that tasted like pancake syrup. It was just okay. The jar snacks were not portioned for a table of 4 because there were 3 cheese curds and 2 deviled eggs. They should price that per persona and size accordingly. The jardiniere, which I was drooling over for a week in anticipation, ended up tasting like root vegetables in vinegar. Not really flavorful, just super tart. The atmosphere, as I mentioned was really nice. My only complaint is that perhaps due to sharing the space with a hotel, it had a distinct hotel smell. Kind of like a hotel that now doesn't allow smoking but used to, and hasn't renovated. It wasn't smoky, just kind of musty. Like old library books, maybe. Not sure. I would go back, but I would order a beer, the charcuterie plate, and then a bunch of apps to share.
(2)Marie C.
In my opinion extremely overrated. Let's start at the top my reservations were at 245. I'm a very punctual person. At 240 I call them and ask if they have a valet hostess says yes. Great! Circle the building three times and don't see it. So I spent twenty minutes looking for parking. I walk in at 3 and the hostess says she can't seat is the kitchen closed. This was odd since my reservations were for 245. She then proceeds to say if k got there on time I would have been able to order. I responded with if you had a valet like you said you did I would have been on time. She continues to say we do have a valet I made her walk outside and show me where and surprise surprise no valet! The the waiter over hears us and says he could take our order quick so we rush through the menu to order something. Drinks are weak I ordered four and felt nothing. Food is farm to table and we went in October to everything had pickled something on it. Yuck. Only reason it got two stars is cause this homemade doughnut was great!
(2)Eleanor K.
Here for brunch this morning. My boyfriend made reservations weeks in advance to take me out for my 30th bday. They sat us crammed in between two tables that just started a meal so we all basically had to eat with strangers. You could tell the couple on either side of us were just as surprised as we were that we were shoved in there, basically displacing three tables. So much for a special day out. I was so disappointed. There were open tables everywhere, but the two tops are just cattle. food was fine, nothing special. my omelet with "root vegetables" turned out to have a few shaved vegetables on top of it. wow, thanks for the eggs and thin slices of decorative vegetables. all in all, I just couldn't get past what a crappy table they put us at when we'd reserved so far in advance for this special ocassion. I had to listen to kids cry in the shared booth behind me and the guy at the next table on his date chat about real estate. it sucked. service was fine. two stars for the beautiful space.
(2)Carol K.
We came. We saw. We ate. But we weren't blown away. And at the end of the night- we weren't convinced we would come back. Hmmm . . . . I love Chef Virant's place out in Western Springs. So here I thought the food would be just a amazing and it was just okay. We started with the cheese and chacuterie plate. The cheeses were good but the meats? Eh- not so much. I would have preferred no "head cheese" and more sliced meats. The best thing we had all night? The veal meatballs. Delicious . . . .I should have ordered two of them as the appetizer portion allowed us to each have just a taste. For my entree, I went with the steak (perfectly prepared) and my friend had the duck (also good) And the wine list was quite nice with plenty of glasses to choose from. And for dessert- the assorted cookie plate was a nice touch along with some ice cream. But nothing really stood out and made us say "we have to come back" as I can get a decent steak many places. But the real miss of the evening was in our service team. I say team because while our server was nice enough, she was missing most of the evening and she wasn't the person who took our order so I was never really sure who to flag over to get more water or even some salt for the table when we needed it. And a good server can really make the evening. It was also an odd crowd on the night we were there. The table next to us had small children at it who spent the night banging on the table with their flatware. Funny, their parents didn't seem to think that there was anything wrong with this in a nice restaurant. And behind us- a large group of "very happy" wine drinkers (they had been on a tasting tour for the past several hours so think LOUD!) were enjoying themselves immensely. We had a table over by the windows (nice) but it was impossible not to be distracted by all that was going on in the place. So I'll end where I began. It was okay. . .but not so differentiating to warrant another visit anytime soon. Next time I go- it will be to enjoy a cocktail or two out front, overlooking the park. Now those looked like the best seats "in" the house!
(3)Sarah I.
Took my husband here for his birthday. Good, solid food, and excellent service. The pickles and charcuterie lived up to reputation. On a cold night, both main dishes had a hearty, stick-to-the-ribs quality. Would go back again in the summer to check out the patio.
(4)Rina Y.
I thought this place was too pricey for dinner so I never went in. But my parents were coming into town and they wanted to wander through the Old Town neighborhood so I thought, perfect, I will have them take me here! Surprisingly, brunch is much more affordable! I made reservations the night before for Saturday brunch at 12:30 pm. Good thing - the place was packed with people waiting all over when we arrived! We were seated about 5 min after we arrived inside (unfortunately, we didn't snag a patio seat). The 3 of us decided to split 3 dishes. French toast - we originally weren't going to get this since it's french toast; I mean, c'mon, I can make that at home. But the waitress recommended it and we were glad we got it. Thick and delicious with some blueberries and pecans and the most delicious lemon curd I have ever had. The waitress brought out syrup but we never needed to put any on because the lemon was the perfect balance of sweet but not too sweet. Would get again. Fried Green Tomatoes - perfectly crispy. 3 slices, some sauce drizzled on (it was good sauce) and a handful of arugula on top - although, I'm glad we were sharing dishes because my mouth would have been bored if all I ate was that plate. It's good but make it a dish to share - a couple of bites and you're good. Corned beef hash - the star of the show! Just get it. Not greasy at all so you don't feel gross even after consuming it with 2 runny eggs on top. Paired with pickled wax beans (I guess pickling is Chef Virant's specialty). Amazing. It's a beautiful space but, at least at brunch, the environment is surprising not stuffy. I just wore a t-shirt, jeans and flip flops and didn't feel out of place and I would equally wear a nice summer dress here too. I will definitely be back for brunch.
(4)Jennifer R.
The food is excellent. The service was great. Jason the manager recommended an incredible wine. We had a wonderful time. If you haven't tried this restaurant you are missing out.
(5)Jamie B.
Came here for dinner Saturday night to celebrate my birthday. I had the sturgeon for dinner with the beet salad to start. My husband had the tenderloin for dinner with the standard lettuce salad to begin. The drinks were a little sweet to begin. I'd really like to come here and try their brunch. Overall I was happy with my experience and will return.
(4)Derric R.
Was a very elegant meal. Service was the best . Kate very knowledgeable of all food served along with wine pairing. We even got a surprise at desert with a white port. Highly recommend this stop.
(5)Larry B.
My dinner was really, really good. I have had Paul Virant's cookbook, "The Preservation Kitchen," for a year or so, but had not been to the restaurant. I ate at the bar because I was there by myself. The bartender was engaging, and I ended up having much in common with the people sitting beside me. More importantly, the preserved peach salad was delicious, and the chickpea entree was "spot on." I will definitely return; I felt that I got good value for the money I spent.
(5)Hayley H.
it sure is gorgeous in there. Beautiful decor, fancy from the get-go. Valet and coat check. Though it'd be nice to be greeted with a "Welcome to Perennial Virant" than "DO YOU HAVE A RESERvaTION!???!" Maybe a pompus. To start we had the Pork Ribs and the Gnudi. You can skip the pork ribs. Not very good. Too much bone, not enough meat. Chewy. It's not very elegant when you have to saw at your slab of bones. The Gnudi was good, the flavors of the duck, cherries and ricotta gnudi was delish. I wish I had more of that home made bread they had to soak up the jus. We then had the Port Cutlet and the Chicken Roulade. The Pork was awesome. A crunchy breaded crust encasing the meat, making it tender, juicy. So flavorful! The button mushrooms stole the show for me. I'd take an entire plate of those. The Chicken was equally satisfying. The bacon wrapped around, the green beans wihin. It was an interesting way to taste a chicken's breast. Very good. The chocolate dessert is a useless, dry, mess. It's not hot. Just a mediocre cupcake with a bit of ice cream on the side. Disappointing beginning and end, but the middle was great. Throughout, the wait staff was great. No complaints there. They wear jeans though. lolz I felt a bit overdressed.
(3)Rachael N.
I was in Chicago this past weekend for a bachelorette party, and we started the night off with dinner at Perennial Virant. It's a pretty nice restaurant, on the corner of Old Town. We were running late, and we tried to get our reservation pushed back, but they were insistent that they could not push it back late. However, when we got there and through our dinner, it was not that full...so I'm not quite sure what that was all about. Anyways, perennial virant has a nice feel to it, with lots of open air and long tables. I ordered the whitefish- it was a good fish, not overcooked, and the skin was a little crispy. It had this interesting tomato-y, something, sauce on the plate with it as well. Overall, a good fish, but I thought it was a tad too salty. My friend got the pork loin milanese and that was REALLY good and it was quite large as well. I liked how unique the items were on the menu. Quality was alright- but it has a nice ambiance and the noise level is on the quieter side, so I could hear everyone on my lengthy table...nice to have a quiet get-together with friends/family here.....
(4)Pam N.
We've been to PV several times at different times of the year. Each time we go the service, food & atmosphere are fabulous! We are never disappointed by our experience at PV. Food is fresh, seasonal and cleverly put together. Pork Belly appetizer last night with Gnocchi for main course followed by Oatmeal Cookies Sundae with Rum Ice Cream & Rum Flavored Caramel Sauce. Can it get any better? Only at PV! Last night we had a party of 11 and PV did a phenomenal job of keeping everything organized, our glasses full of wine, water or soda, and moving the evening along fantastically. Our server was wonderful. Great place for ANY occasion. Bon Appetite!
(5)Kathleen C.
My last restaurant week visit for this year...and I ended on a high note. Perennial Virant wasn't serving their regular menu - only the restaurant week menu. However, they did offer some "extras" on the back of the menu for those of you who don't want to give up some of their delish menu options. On to service...you have to love a host staff who compliment their patrons upon arrival. I walked in from the rain, soaking wet with my hair flying all over the place and I made a comment about how I looked ridiculous. The three guys at the desk responded with "nope, you look great" - ha ha - total lie, but at least service seems high on their list. We were quickly seated at a great table near the windows - right on time for our reservation. Our server was super friendly, didn't rush us and was helpful, but not overbearing. Everyone who worked there was so very nice. All in all, service was a 5. The atmosphere is nice - it's somewhat dark, but with nice candlelight accents. The room is warm and my dad thought the tables may have been walnut. It was pretty - a good spot for an evening out with friends, date, dinner with dad, whatever. Atmosphere is a 5 for me. The food was really good. I think there was more than enough food for restaurant week or any entree size (I'm not sure if these were slightly smaller or not, but they were perfect for me!). I had the whitefish which was really delicious. My dad had the pork (also delicious). We both started with the winter soup - I literally asked the server if I could lick the bowl (and I may have if I weren't so well behaved...). The dessert...a take on Boston creme pie...yum yum yum! The crepes were also great. One complaint for the food...bring a bread basket, not one little piece. I had to ask for more - which they happily provided...but I don't think it would have been offered. Food is a 5. Bathrooms were beautiful - however, they are hard to find due to construction currrently. I can't wait for the new hotel/restaurant to open up! 5 for bathrooms. As to value - I think that typically, this spot is really expensive. I will say that the food is high quality. I like that they didn't skimp on restaurant week as some other restaurants do. Normal prices are pretty high, so I'll go 4 for value.
(5)Courtenay G.
Pumpkin eclairs and apple pie french toast that are to die for. Good coffee, too. Their biggest sell-point however is not their food, but their sweet servers who are as inviting and warm as their biscuits and gravy. Music overhead is a throwback to the Best of 70's Rock, and makes you feel like you're at your favorite pub with friends, while still portraying an up-scale atmosphere of chic and simplicity. I would definitely come back here, and I would definitely recommend to friends. A+ for service!
(5)Annie W.
Really great ambiance, modern/rustic interior with swanky vibes. Service was great. Our waiter was super helpful with recommendations. We loved the red blend that he suggested so much that he brought out the bottle so we could get the name of the wine. I had the Dupoire cocktail as well which was had a warm flavor with a lot of spice. It was a bit too sweet though once the food came. The roasted apple salad was delicious, but a bit over-dressed. I got the Sheep's milk gnocchi appetizer as my entrée. I'm not a huge pasta person, but the waiter recommended it, and I'm so glad he did. It was phenomenal. The turkey sausage red sauce was really fresh with a punch of spice, and the gnocchi melted in my mouth--it was unbelievably light! Perfect portion size with salad and dessert. Their modern take on tiramisu was delicious, but I prefer a more traditional tiramisu. However, their updated ice cream sandwich was outstanding. We will definitely be returning!
(5)Debbie S.
Tried this spot on a Friday night with the hubby and another couple and we were not disappointed...great food and drink and a cool atmosphere. I had a delicious gin cocktail to start, but for the life of me I can't remember the name. Not too sweet and egg whites on the top for a creamy effect. Our server recommended it and I was pleased. I started with a parsnip custard that was out of this world. It had the consistency of flan but it was savory -- terrific. IT was served with cippolini onions and mortadella and was wonderful. Beautiful presentation as well. I think it was the highlight of my dinner. The hubby had the carnaroli rice with fried cheese curds that was also excellent. Our friends had the pierogis (good) and the gnocchi (outstanding). The menu changes frequently, but we were told that Perennial Virant is known for gnocchi. For dinner, I had the rainbow trout and hubby and the vegetable skillet. The trout was delicious and the creamy grits, sweet corn chow chow, baby greens, and spicy butter complimented the dish nicely. Hubby liked the vegetable skillet but thought it was a little spicy -- he said that all you could really taste was the heat, which took away the delicate flavor of the vegetables. Our friends had the same two dishes and agreed with our take on them. For dessert, hubby and I both had the mint chocolate sundae. Delicious and not particularly sweet. The flavor of the ice cream was quite strong and it overpowered the chocolate a little bit, but I am a huge fan of mint, so that was fine with me. Service was good although our server did seem distracted throughout the evening. At one point, my friend ordered dessert and he was staring off into space and didn't even hear her. That was a tad annoying, but everyone else who worked there was terrific. Water glasses were continually filled and plates were cleared in a timely manner (but not until everyone finished). This spot is definitely worth a visit -- it is pricey, but the food and the atmosphere are good. Before you leave, make sure you check out the wall of bad art in the Hotel Lincoln stairway....that was an amusing way to end our meal (I think it was probably made more amusing by our cocktails but....)
(4)Kara B.
The most recent meal I had at Perennial Virant (December 2012) was probably one of the top 3 meals of my life. I am still dreaming about the snails and the scallops. Everything was truly wonderful from the cocktails, to our servers to the decor of the restaurant itself. We did have to wait slightly for a table but it was a Friday night and we had no reservation, so I can hardly fault the restaurant. But, those snails! They were so tender and succulent it was like eating a bite of rainbow. They tasted as fresh as spring but as hearty and warming as you would hope on a cold Chicago night. And the delicacy of those scallops! They were that elusive perfectly seared scallop that that has a little crust but is tender, moist and rich with flavor when you bite into it. Paul Virant is a genius and I'll be back again. And again. And again.
(5)Jeremy K.
Party of 3 on a Saturday night. We had an incredible waitress with short curly red hair. She was definitely one of the best waitresses I've ever had before! She knew every question we asked, had great eye contact, and spread lots of positive vibes. The menu was simple and eloquent. I enjoyed the Salmon entree and loved the Rice Cake starter. Thanks and keep it up!
(5)S G.
Went here for a party of 8 w the tasting menu. They accomodated vegetarian and pescatarian requests with ease. The wine parings were great! Started with warm bread, followed by gnudi and salad. the next course was cheese curds and sausages. the fourth course was beef tenderloin, white fish, and a vegetarian cake w seasonal veggies. Fifth course was a cheese platter with honey and jam dessert was key lime pie, chocolate ice cake, carrot cake, and sorbet I ate like a pig and left satisfied and happy:) would recommend this place for a nice night out w friends or a date, even a special event.
(5)Alex H.
After jealously walking by the happy brunch-goers all summer and fall on my way to the Green City Market, I finally made it in for a Birthday Brunch earlier this winter. First off, the decor is breathtaking both inside and out, featuring a cozy-yet-chic farmhouse kitchen motif with comfy seats and wood accents inside with a beautiful patio space outside. The menu is best described as an upscale take on brunch, and as always with Paul Virant, expect fresh & local ingredients to dominate. Started with the beignets...delicate and delicious. I had the 3 egg omelet, which while delicious was tiny. Same with the Laughing Bird Shrimp: excellent, but a very small portion. My mimosa was pretty basic, but my wife had the bloody mary and claimed it was one of the best she'd had in recent memory. My only complaint is portion size, as alluded to above. The prices are a steal given the quality of food you'll get at PV, but I felt fair warning was in order from our waittress; I'd have happily ordered a third plate and shared. All in all, a really nice upscale addition to the Old Town food scene. The service wasn't perfect but the food, drinks, and vibe easily made up for that. Can't wait to go back for dinner.
(4)Jami S.
Adorable! Really such a cute restaurant, great vibe, great ambiance. My friend and I really loved everything about the inside of PV & can't wait to return to sit outside on the patio overlooking LP. Food was really great. We went for Chef's week and were a bit disappointed when we could only order off of that menu which left us with not a lot of choice. But I'm glad b/c it forced me to try different items. The chicken & gnocci were delicious. So were the desserts. Only reason PV didn't get 5 stars was b/c our waitress was lousy. She was nice enough but it didn't seem like she wanted to be there. No energy whatsoever. Another waiter even came over to help us out when she didn't return for awhile & he couldn't have been nicer. So she def isn't the norm for service which is a good thing. We will def be back in the summer to sit outside.
(4)Amy G.
After visiting Vie, we were in the mood for more Virant-style indulgences. I don't think I'd venture out to Lincoln Park for a better reason. We strolled in around 8:00 with no reservation but were immediately seated at a long communal high top. Our waiter was very friendly even as we could see things were very busy, and we just showed up, expecting to be wined and dined. I had two glasses of Pinot Noir- a French selection from the menu and one from Oregon when they ran out-- honestly, not because of my gluttony. The wine was PERFECT with the Midwestern cheese plate which had three cheeses, four crostini, Virant's noteworthy preserves, a drizzle of honey, and to-die-for honey crusted walnuts. I don't even like walnuts. I realize cheese plates are probably huge profits for restaurants, but in this case, I really loved the hand-selection, simple combination of flavors, and even the modest (just right) portion. We followed the cheese plate with the turkey gnocchi garnished with shaved squash and Parmesan in light (truffle? olive?) oil. Just enough decadent food to share with another without feeling like I ate at Longman & Eagle. :) We ended with tiny flour-less chocolate cakes, about the size of a table spoon with fresh cream and peanut sauce. Damage came out to just under $100 for two people with at least 5 drinks total. To leave us further delighted, we were given a $15 gift card to come back for brunch. Yes, please!
(4)Suzanne R.
I had a great experience here last weekend, not only because the place is very beautiful and the food good, but mainly because of our amazing server, Jessie. She gave great wine recommendations, taking the care to give us each a sample of two to make sure we had what we liked (we both chose what she originally recommended anyway). She described the food really well and also gave great recommendations on what to order, how much, and dessert. Get the pork beignets,,, omg. Jessie knows food, and is so nice and warm that she really make the experience- my friend happened to be going there for brunch the next day and I was like- get Jessie! She's the best!
(5)K S.
Love this place. Adore their use of local ingredients. And I dont drink and they make amazing mocktails!
(4)Mith R.
Solid and fresh offerings, excellent dining experience, and innovative cocktails as well. We'll be back :)
(4)Adam M.
I just went here last night with my girlfriend for Restaurant Week and we both really enjoyed our meals. I will start off by pointing out the one bad thing about the restaurant; and that is the Restaurant Week menu there did not match what was posted online so we were not able to get the Crispy herb parisienne gnocchi or wood-grilled local pork belly like we originally planned. Now for the good stuff..... Both the soup and the salad were both very good options for starters. For my main course I ordered the pan-roasted whitefish, ted's creamy polenta, house cured olives, preserved tomatoes, werp farm greens. This fish was perfectly cooked and had great flavor with No fishy taste :-) We each got a different dessert so could split them and try both.. My girlfriend got the chocolate custard cake, espresso cream, lemon confit and I ordered the apple crepes. We weren't really big fans of the Chocolate custard cake, but the crepes were very good. Overall, Perennial was a very nice place, with very good food.
(4)Jason H.
THE STORY OF THE BEET SALAD My mom was famous for saying, "you cannot leave the dinner table until you finish your vegetables." So the dinner table has played the role of bed on many occassions -- to say I was stubborn would be a gross understatement. But as years passed, my stubborness dissolved, my pallate became more elastic and my acceptance for vegetables stronger. I began to grow bolder and BOLDER by the year, and by the time I visited Perennial Virant in Fall 2012 -- I was f*cking SUPER BOLD with my vegetable choices. I proudly ordered the beet salad with grapes and viniagrette sauce, as my date ordered the housemade fettucine. When the waitress served both of our dishes, the hairs on the nape of my neck rose when I saw what lay before me. I knew it was a beet salad -- but I didn't think I was getting a pure pile of beets. All I heard was a familiar voice, "you cannot leave the dinner table until you finish your vegetables." I subconsciously prepared myself for bed until my date snapped me out of it. All I saw was a river of beets coated in a clear fluid that of course took on the beets color, peppered with sliced green grapes. But guess what? I paid for it -- so it was no way I wasn't going to try to force myself to eat it. The minute the first beet hit my tongue, bile formed on the corners of my mouth and I was overwhelmed with culinary disappointment. But the waitress was kind and took it off our bill -- even without my asking. The restaurant was nice, the crowd was -- well the crowd was suitable for Lincoln Park -- but the dinner menu was limited and the BEET SALAD was for lack of a better word/statement -- the most disgusting f*ckin dish I have ever ordered and tried in my entire life. Go to socialize and drink wine with Lincoln Parkers but stay away from the BEET SALAD AT ALL COST!!!
(2)Ramya P.
Amazing place for Brunch! After being a Lincoln Parker for four years now, I finally made it here. Perennial Virant has been a cocktail stop for me for a long time but have never got to try the food here. The brunch menu is small and features seasonal specials. We got the 2-egg skillet with spinach, cheese and fall veggies, the 3-egg omelet stuffed with pesto, cheese and veggies with a side of fries and cheese curds. Both were stellar dishes and the side was delicious too. Great service and upscale ambiance made our experience perfect. Now, can't wait to try dinner here soon.
(5)Mahsa T.
Perennial's transformation to Perennial Virant is complete and I thought it was time to come back for a visit. We enjoyed a lovely brunch here on their patio. Bloody Marys to start, can't go wrong with pickle and asparagus as garnish. Great big cup of coffee too (they serve Intelligentsia). You must get the sticky bun -- as the menu says, "Yeah, you want it!" Yes, you do. On to the food..."The Skillet" (2 farm eggs, yukon gold potatoes, broccoli, corn and cheddar) was delicious. I just wish the portion was a bit larger or that it was served with toast, maybe it was because I was famished. The "Meat & Three" (maple-bourbon breakfast sausage, green beans, potato homeboys and eggs) was also good. The sausage was fantastic but the green beans were a bit undercooked. Service was friendly and attentive from everyone--the host, our waitress and the food runner. Love the new interior decor, very modern and elegant. Will definitely have to come back for dinner.
(4)Matea B.
I think this place is great. They get all their food locally, and thus the menu changes frequently. I have been there for brunch several times and once for dinner. I haven't been disappointed. I would definitely recommend the bacon for brunch. It's really thick cut and covered with an awesome glaze. It's not what you'd traditionally think of when you order bacon. For dinner, I would recommend the beat salad appetizer and the hush puppies appetizer, and I would recommend the trout or the meatballs as a main course. They also have some really interesting cocktails, and they are all strong.
(4)Natalie P.
After passing this restaurant multiple times, I finally had brunch here this past weekend. We were seated in their outdoor patio area which provides for some fun people watching. Ordered one of their bloody mary's which was nothing amazing but still good. Had the PV omelet. Delicious. Another at our table had the house-made sausage which she highly enjoyed. Overall the service was decent and the food was good. No wait time and outdoor seating was also a plus.
(4)Jessica N.
Perennial was one of my favorite restaurants in the city and I finally got a chance to frequent Perennial Virant since the re-opening. It had a lot to live up to and it had delicious food but misses some of the creativity of the old concept (hence the 4 stars vs 5 stars) but execution is top noch. Maybe it's because I'm nostalgic, but here were some dishes that were some of the best things I've ever eaten that I miss (truffle gnocchi and deconstructed raspberry cheesecake!). Here's what we DID Have though: Gnocchi - doesn't compare to the old gnocchi dish. The quality of the gnocchi was really good but the flavor of the dish could've been better Crisp Rice - it's fried cheese, so you can't go wrong :) Roasted Carrots - was more of a salad versus a meaty carrot dish. Good but unexpected. Brandade - One of the best fish dishes i've ever had. Crispy skin was perfectly executed and really well balanced dish overall Duck - Perfectly cooked - so good! Beef Loin - Again, absolutely perfectly cooked and very interesting pairing with the snails. Chocolate Bar - Good but not amazing. Old perennial had some kick ass desserts (cheesecake and hazelnut bar). This was good but, any mix of 4 chocolates would be good :) Overall, this is a solid restaurant. All the dishes were executed extremely well and I will definitely be back! And, living up to the old standards, the service is excellent!
(4)Gary C.
What's that, you say? Quickfire Challenge at Perennial Virant? Oh wait. You're selecting me to be among an select number of judges? And you want me to stay at Perennial Virant for dinner? Oh my goodness! I don't know what to say... I guess I'll say yes. Twas a beautiful night in our fine city, and we spent it on the outdoor patio of PV. My party was hungry, even though we participated in the Quickfire Challenge, so we decided to try and get a table after the event. We were quoted an hour and a half...we didn't mind. Lucky for us, they were pretty quick to clean up and sat us in a fraction of the time. Our meal started a little crazy. We weren't sure what to drink and were thinking about getting a bottle of rose. Well, we said nothing to our server about it, but he somehow read our minds and was advertising the bottle we were ogling. It was a little scary because he was reading our minds. He had to have like ESPN or ESPN2 or something...To keep it short, we got it, and it went perfect with the meal and evening. Plates are either small, medium, or large. Small dishes are similar to small appetizers. Medium dishes are a little bigger and are appropriate for a not-too-hungry person. Large dishes are decent size, but are not a full entree. As informed by our server, Chef Virant likes to keep ingredients local, so the menu changes as the seasons progress. Being summer, we ordered the roasted sweet corn, seared diver scallops, yukon gold potato gnocchi, gunthorp farm duck breast, and grilled dietzler farm beef loin. Highlights? Everything was pretty good. I honestly have no complaints. Everything tasted so fresh and went well with our bottle. We did order a dessert, but it hurts me to say that I don't remember what it was. Sorry! The night went on and service remained exceptional. They were very friendly and attentive. But a fair warning: while you eat, your wallet will lose weight. But don't let that scare you. Just keep eating.
(4)Mike K.
We have only been here for brunch, but it has been a great experience every time. Every time we have been there with our daughter who is not yet 1, the staff is extremely friendly and goes out of their way to make you feel comfortable. I was hesitant at first, thinking it would be a bit on the pricey side, but at least for brunch, that is not the case. Food is good, drinks are good, service is good. Can get a bit crowded so may want to make a reservation ahead of time.
(5)Lindsay P.
I've been to Perennial Virant twice, both times for dinner, and everything single bite of food I've had there has been delicious. The sides are especially good--the friend kale and the Brussels sprouts are out of this world. I also love the atmosphere--quiet (but still lively), elegant but simple, and supremely comfortable. The service is friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The only bad thing is that after 2 fantastic meals here, I don't feel like trying any new restaurants for a while.
(5)Helena G.
The restaurant is really nice, it has comfortable seats and a good vibe. We had 3 egg omolete and laughing bird shrimp. We also had some punch. We enjoyed everything, the food was very tasty. And the staff is very nice.
(4)Andrea H.
Based on brunch alone, already a big fan. My friend and I decided to get together for an impromptu brunch on July 3. Since it was such a beautiful day, we wanted to sit outside. Hmmm, I thought, who has a great patio in the neighborhood? Well, Perennial Virant of course. But then I realized that it was brunch on a beautiful holiday weekend and that we would probably have no chance in hell of sitting on that great patio. So off I went, 45 minutes ahead of our reservation so that I could put in our name and wait for a coveted space to open up. Much to my surprise, there was a table available when I arrived. I offered to sit but the super nice host told me that, if I didn't mind waiting a few minutes, he'd have an even better table to offer me. Since my friend hadn't arrived yet, I was game for that. Sure enough, some choice tables opened up and I got to take my pick. When does that ever happen? I really like the brunch menu. It doesn't have too many choices but seemed to have all the heavy hitters. That was excellent for me since I can never make a decision. Turns out that they could have had just one thing on that menu and I would have been a happy girl. I saw "The Signature" and it was all over. Chicken fried steak? OH YEAH! So I settled in with my tasty rhubarb honey mimosa and enjoyed the day. When the chicken fried steak arrived (we both ordered it), I commented that this was definitely not your Denny's chicken fried steak. The sirloin steak was fried but not at all greasy. You could actually taste the flavor of the meat. There was just the right amount of mushroom gravy so that you could have some with each bite but it didn't smother the steak and the cheesy grits were a delicious accompaniment as well. Overall, everything was so fresh and I left feeling happy instead of stuffed. All of the staff was very friendly and accommodating. I can't wait to come back for dinner. It's great to have this place back in the neighborhood!
(4)Lauren M.
This review is solely for the service, which is the worst service I think I have ever had a restaurant. We had reservations, were seated 20 minutes after we entered. They were out of everything. And when I say everything, i mean EVERYTHING. We were starving at that point, so we decided to stay and tried the only things they had left on the menu. And then we waited. and waited. We waited 45 minutes for our food. Coming as a bartender/server, I understand these things happen. The kitchen gets backed up, you forget to put in an order. That being said, the waitress was incredibly rude. We inquired about our food and she rudely told us that we had to wait, there were larger parties in front of us. So because there was only three of us, we would have to suffer and wait until all the larger parties got their food? She never offered an apology and when we finally got our food, it was cold. They gave us a side of "complimentary" bacon, however being a vegetarian, it didn't do much for our table. I was in shock. I will never go back here, ever again and will advise everyone else not to do so. Hands down the worst service I have ever received. Shame on you Perennial, for showing your customers how worthless our business is.
(1)Ray D.
Awesome menu! A liquor menu that would bring a wine and craft beer snob to their knees! The appetizers are great, fresh ingredients while supporting local farmers and beer crafters. Awesome dessert. Go for breakfast or dinner! The portions are not huge but the quality is there.
(4)Paul B.
This is a remarkable restaurant. But then, you'd expect it to be with Paul Virant at the helm. The best part is that he's a presence in the restaurant, visiting tables, working the room, AND riding herd over his devoted kitchen staff. Sometimes that's like juggling chainsaws, but he's able to pull it off with grace. The number for Perennial Virant has earned an entry in my Phone Contacts list that I keep on my person like a Jehovah's Witness keeps his bible tucked under his arm. (or so I'd guess!) I've been a fan of his since he opened 'Vie' in my home village of Western Springs. I had fought the village board for years to issue liquor licenses and when they finally relented, it was Paul whose group transformed a building verging on either brick-and-glass modern to latter day Eastern Euro gulag. Everyone loved it--and now they have a second reason to love that minimalist look at Perennial, too. He let's the food and bev be the stars, as they should be. As a guy who has lived for a long time on 'circuses,' I don't care for them much in restaurants. Using the simple backdrop of Lincoln Park--esp in the spring through fall--works just great. The cocktails are playful, tasty, fun, not overpriced. I had something that reminded me of my wintertime Manhattan, but with an undertone of orange, and I loved it. Wines are plentiful and not overpriced. I've read some of the other reviews here and it makes me wonder if people go places only to find reasons to whine. I would suggest that (and in full disclosure, my business is that of a critic, but not in the food field) when some people think they're critics, they feel compelled to critique in the negative as a predisposition. Why they can't just kick back and enjoy the gestalt of the evening or meal is beyond me. I don't go places with a furrowed brow looking for things to call out the owner or chef on. Jeeeesus, just relax already, willya? It's food and bev, not Woodward and Bernstein. The food was delightful. The wait staff was attentive, fun, professional. The bill wasn't goofy. It's also not cheap, but you know that before you walk in the door so don't gig someone for something you requested. Yes, I'd go back. I'm sure I will. Nicely played, PV staff. pb
(5)Coleen K.
It's about time I wrote a review for one of my favorite brunch establishments of all time-- Perennial Virant! I love this place. I've been on many occasions-- for an engagement brunch, a birthday brunch, and just a casual brunch! All my experiences here have been nothing short of spectacular. For starters, the interior is just what I want at a classy brunch place-- bright, sunny, modern but still intimate, just a touch of rustic, with fresh flowers on the table. Service is always on point. Servers are always extremely knowledgeable and professional. They have great, decisive recommendations and check-in just the right amount of times. I love that their menu consistently changes with the seasons. Every time I go, the menu has changed and I love that! I've gotten everything from classic eggs, to breakfast meats, to cinnamon buns and fish at this place. All is equally amazing. They do a great job of making brunch feel as it should-- like a cheerful and special occasion.
(5)Stephanie L.
Made the trek up to Perennial Virant finally with Kris R. I like the new style of the place...although I cant really remember what Perennial looked like. We got right in at our reservation time. Our server was very informative on who everything worked, etc. I do have to say, I am not sure I like the attire of the servers...its like a red dress shirt with jeans...a little weird considering its a nicer restaurant. Plus, there was an eclectice crowd of servers, tatoos, piercings, band aids on the head...interesting. On to the food... Small Plates Carnaroli Rice-what a different little thing. It was like a fried rice outside, cheese on the inside and greens. It was delicious! Bar snacks-amazing deviled eggs!! Not to mention fire-y corn nuts...delicious! The soft pretzel with the cheese sauce was fantastic with a little kick. Medium Plates Gnocchi-AH-MAZ-ING! The only thing was I wished there was more gnocchi! The sausage and brussel sprouts were fantastic compliments Ravioli-Meh, it was my least favorite. The spaghetti squash was crunchy and cold...I wasnt a fan at all. Didnt have much flavor at all. Large Plates Walleye-very nice pan fried dish. It had grapes or something around it and it was a little sweet. It was cooked to perfection and everything really meshed well Steak-DELICIOUS! It was so smooth it was like butter. Not to mention a HUGE portion! Dessert Cookie plate Fantastic selection of cookies, there was snickerdoodles, pumpkin whoopie pie, brownie, etc....all were fantastic. I just wanted a side car of milk! Overall, it was a great dining experience. they have a large selection of wines. I didnt dabble in the cocktail department. Also, we had a $200 GC so it was perfect.
(4)Phill C.
i saw that they had just reopened, so decided to give the place a try. There's plenty of street parking off of Wells and they're located right at the corner. I liked the woodsy green interior and the large windows all around. Plus the seats were really comfy. The menu is pretty simple, with a $37 seasonal prix fixe menu on the left and plates to share on the right. They also have a nice beer/wine menu and Three Floyd's Pride & Joy was some tasty beer. The Crispy Carnaroli Rice was really good and I loved the combo of the crispy rice, cheese curds, and vinaigrette. The pork shoulder confit was super tender and juicy. The crispy whitefish was super fresh and tasty. Well all of the ingredients were really fresh. The pound cake & toasted milk ice cream dessert was also really good. Service was excellent and very attentive. We sat by the wall where the servers were all standing, so it was a bit awkward but not a big deal. With a new chef, menu, and interior, I had a really good meal.
(4)Shamik T.
I hadn't been to the old Perennial, but ate at this new variation recently. Loved it, though I think I may have ordered too much. I went on a Wednesday night, around 8 or so, and it was nearly empty, which is fine with me. I whole-heartedly recommend.
(4)Salina V.
I loved the presentation of the food here. I don't remember what I ate because I didn't order. I believe we pretty much ordered everything on the menu for a tasting. All I know is I didn't eat the oxtail. It was nice to go to a restaurant where there wasn't so much meat on the menu. The only thing I didn't like was the lemon crepe. It smelled a tad fishy. I had wine and I like how you get a big glass of it. =) I'm also a booth seating kinda girl so I liked how I had the option of sitting on a bench like seat. It was cushioned and comfortable of course. The staff was really nice too, especially our waiter. After dinner I sat by the bar and the bartenders are also nice. The bartender even told us that we could go on the rooftop to check out the view. I didn't tough because I was a little cranky due to reasons I will not mention from before dinner but I would of on any other day. It was nice that she told us that! I also can tell how clean the restaurant was because they were doing a really good job cleaning the bar. (It was closing time when we were sitting at the car).
(4)Brian F.
Hard not to like a Paul Virant run restaurant. He's one of the most active and best celebrity chefs in Chicago. Vie in Western Springs is probably my top-favorite restaurant in Chicago. Perennial-Virant misses out a bit on what Vie offers, though. I thought the food was superb but serving sizes were miniscule for the price-point. I love the outside sidewalk terrace during the summer. Great place to see and be seen.
(4)Marisa A.
Yum! I think I'm a fan, but I'll have to go back for a proper meal to be sure. I've peeped Perennial Virant from the outside of its corner location on Wells and Lincoln countless times, and finally had drinks and a bite to eat there last night. By the way, there's free street parking along Lincoln if you can find a spot. It's a lot less stuffy than I had imagined-- low ceilings, rustic decor, and a casual waitstaff lend to a relaxed atmosphere. The host graciously offered to take my coat and I was led to a table. It was 8:15 on a Tuesday night (no reservation), and the place was comfortably full without being at capacity. To drink, I ordered the Port of Spain Swizzle. It was a solid girly choice for a cocktail without being too sweet, and it was plenty strong. My friend had the Wise Fool and enjoyed it. We wanted something to nibble on so we went with the cheese and charcuterie plates. Both offered more food than I was expecting... in a good way. Every cheese was complex, the preserves were creative and the meats were super flavorful. Above all, it was fresh.The highlights were the bleu cheese with honey and the salami. Unfortunately, I missed most of the waiter's descriptions so I'm not 100% sure what I was putting into my mouth. But I definitely enjoyed it. If you're generally bored by cheese and meat plates, then Perennial Virant's offerings may be up your alley.
(4)Jessica G.
I once told Paul Virant that he could cook me socks and I would eat them. No, I hadn't been drinking. I just really enjoy the food that the man puts out - Vie has been at the top of my list for the past 5+ years and I was a little worried and scared that Perennial Virant wouldn't match my expectations. Last night was my first visit to Perennial Virant. I will go back. We had a very last minute reservation for 8:45 for 6 and two of our group dropped out so we went early as 4. The host was kind enough to advise that since we were now a smaller group, it would be easier to seat us earlier. Yay for that. 'Til that time, we passed several pleasant moments at the bar - the bartender did a very nice job of recommending beverages, and particularly beer for the husbandly one, so that is a good thing. We then got seated nearly an hour early, which was pretty fantastic. It was at a communal table but it would seem our dining companions didn't mind us so we didn't mind them. I sometimes feel a little weird about the communal tables in some places but this did not seem intrusive at all, perhaps because we were not jammed into a table with more chairs than space. Our servers, as it would seem we were tag-teamed last night, were on the ball with pretty much everything, and we did get what I thought was a great wine recommendation based on all the various foods we ordered for the table. They were quick on the refills and there any time we needed anything. And all the plates came out in a very timely fashion - one of the members of our party who works in the industry actually remarked that it was shocking that the first items we ordered came out less than 10 minutes after we ordered them - on a busy Friday night and nothing was greasy/ microwaved/ out of a tub in the freezer. We tried a couple of each of the various small, medium and large plates - not gonna lie: the crispy carnaroli rice and the whitefish beignets are things that I would like to eat every day. Beyond delicious. I had the pappardelle as my main meal and it's a pretty basic dish but it was exactly the way I like it so I was more than happy with it. Also tried bites of the fluke and sturgeon dishes and they were just lovely. I didn't have any issues with oversalting as some people have indicated - my palate is not particularly salty and I usually do notice an excess of salt. Last, we had a few of the desserts, my favorite being the cranberry crisp - the chevre fritters are pretty fantastic, too. I do like the interior, though it's a bit loud - just not as loud as in other places, which is nice. It's a warm place and quite comfortable. I would say the bathroom felt like it was in a slightly odd place but that may have been my issue, thanks to the beverages we were enjoying. Overall, I was very very pleased with my experience at Perennial Virant. It definitely met my expectations and it is somewhere I will gladly go again. Call me a Paul Virant fangirl and I will accept the moniker gladly. Great food, great service, and a great atmosphere - all I could ask for!
(5)Tom P.
The service was absolutely stellar. The food presentation was also top notch. But, the food tasted like it came from nookie's (across the street, not good). It was at best a high-end looking version of chili's. But i'd much prefer the chili's food to what I got here. My date and I ordered 2 apps and 2 entrees. None of them were special. The beet salad was ok, maybe. Same with the nochi. The bread was mediocre. The highlight was the salted butter. Both entrees sucked. Bleh. Not going back. Prices are ludicrous given food quality. I'm not opposed to paying $100+ per plate. But his isn't close to $20 per plate. Maybe the brunch is good? I'm very upset with the food quality. Like rubber chicken.
(2)kara m.
Perennial Virant was exceptional on Friday night.. The ambiance of the restaurant is lovely and relaxing. It has a formal appearance but the wait staff is all coordinated with plaid-type button downs, jeans, and some tattoos which makes it a bit more casual. (love this!) Also, the music in the restaurant was just right. A mix of punk, rock, with a few beastie boys tracks. (love again!). Chris was our server. He was extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. We ordered the unique Goose Island brew for this place...the PVK. Carrots and Feta were ok...lovely presentation but not something I am dying to get again. Gnocchi was just amazing. Still wanting another bite of this! The Beef Loin was also stellar. I don't know if I have had beef that delicious before. Also, the bread...we had a slice at the start and then a toasted piece came with the beef. The bread is made in house and just scrumptious! We ended the meal with Baked Chocolate Mousse with peppermint ice cream. It was like a girl scout cookie thin mint freshness. (see photo in this listing). Can't wait to return!
(5)Kent T.
Easily one of the best dining experiences my girlfriend and I have ever had. The food was unique and absolutely delicious. Every single dish we tried was a hit and the service was impeccable. Our server was knowledgeable about all the dishes we asked about and even gave us a tour of some of the pickled jars they had on display after our dinner. All of the staff was very friendly and the ambience was very romantic when we went. I would definitely recommend coming here for anyone who is looking for some great local food and a nice romantic dinner.
(5)Erin S.
Hubby tried to talk me out of coming here but I insisted. Damn, he was right again. We're very into organic, good whole food (think: Publican and Avec). This missed the mark completely, considering they pride themselves on being "farm to table". Everything was so slathered in burnt olive oil, that it didn't matter what we ate, it would've been gross. I left starving. I gave it two stars because the interior is quite pretty. Will not return.
(2)Ryan W.
What a great experience. The waiter was very polite and knowledgeable of the menu (which was good because we had questions!) The beet salad was amazing, the chicken meal for dinner was incredible, the dessert we had was great. Interesting menu, they try to use organic, local ingredients and they did a great job.
(4)Jeff R.
Stayed at the hotel and was taken here for dinner as well. Very tasty local greens salad. Nicely done sturgeon. Beer list not extensive for Chicago, but ok. Had a Perennial Aria on draft. Apparently there was a goat loin dish (which is why I was taken here) but were a few days too late for it.
(4)Caroline G.
Disclaimer: This restaurant is not in Los Angeles...but it should be Perennial Virant is located in Chicago and is owned by Chef Paul Virant who believes in making all ingredients. Hence the slogan-can what you can't; which refers to the act of canning. The meal began with delicious fresh bread and homemade butter: the kind with the salt crystals on top. As a cocktail I had one of my new obsessions--gin and egg cream--called the Contrarian. It must be a new addition to the menu because as of now it's not on their website. I had Carnaroli Rice as an appetizer and it's like a crispy risotto. A special Paul Virant touch was pickled summer beans, which are surprisingly good with cheese curds. My main course was a pork shoulder confit which was like a fried pancake of pork. That might be a gross image to some, but one bite of this baby and you will have a meat eating conversion. Desert was a chess pie, but I also got my hands on some freshly baked cookies. Pastry Chef Elissa Narow has created quite the down home ending to a delicious meal that really has a Midwest feel to it. This lovely 3 course menu was created and discounted for Second City Audiences and it was great way to experience the philosophy behind the meal. Here's hoping Virant's next restaurant will be on Melrose! You'd fit right in! @eatdrinkla
(5)L G.
I really need to write reviews immediately after I leave a place...my memory fails me. But I do remember- this place is top notch. We sat outside despite incredible heat. But when passing through inside- I absolutely loved the ambiance of this place. So cool, simple, and chic. The big tables, I just envisioned having a large group dinner there and feeling so at home. For the food/drink- Had amazing refreshing cocktails. A bottle of wine. And some high end bourbon. And then, the delish food. We had the asparagus salad/app with an egg- yum. Very light and lemony and refreshing. And then- the best thing I've ever ate. It's not on their menu online- but it had black beans, chorizo, and cheese and was like a saute of all those things. I could have eaten three of them. Alone or on the bread, it was the best thing I've ever ate thus far. For the main course, I can't recall what my date had, but I had the salmon with a tomato jam and some other odd component that just all worked together and exploded in my mouth. So good. And I never order salmon out because I always feel like when I do, I can prepare it just as well. Not this time. I also don't remember dessert- but it was good! Can't wait to come back- loved it!
(5)Andrea L.
One of the best plates of food I've ever had. We've eaten here several times and the service is always top notch. Huge thank you to Paul and his crew for always providing such great food and service.
(4)Chad B.
After my, ahem, unfavorable account of our brunch experience at Perennial, the restaurant group convinced me to give them another chance (read: free dinner). To make a long story short, we had a great experience. Service was excellent and the food was delicious. They met our expectations (the expectations we had coming into our first experience, that is) in every way. Every restaurant makes mistakes, but when they happen, Perennial takes them seriously. When all is said and done, I would gladly recommend Perennial. In fact, I already have.
(4)F D.
Went to Perennial for brunch this morning, I was so excited since I'd heard so much about it. I had the brown butter waffles, house made smoked honey bourbon sausage, eggs and the home fries with cheese curds. The waffles were good, not a full hearty Belgian waffle, but rather very light and crispy - I prefer a fluffy Belgian waffle. The home fries with cheese curds are not worth it, my potatoes were cooked hard, so much so that I couldn't eat some of them, and the cheese curds were these huge pieces of semi-warm cheese just sitting on the plate and didn't mesh well with the potatoes. I must say that the famous house-made bourbon sausage was an acquired taste. I don't drink bourbon and the strong bourbon after-taste was a little bitter, so the sausage didn't work for me, but if you enjoy bourbon, I think you'll love them. The ambiance is very nice, very trendy and upscale. The service was amazing, very attentive, but I think it's a bit over-priced for the food. Overall, a great dining experience.
(3)Lilea E.
Excellent food. Creative menu. Great service! Had a really enjoyable dinner here and highly recommend it!
(5)Katie R.
Went to this place last night for NYE and it was decent. We had a 10:30pm reservation and we were seated at 11pm. Once we were seated we saw that the menu was prie fixe - our group was told this was told that we could order ala carte. When the waitress was asked if there was anything that could be done, she said that "nothing could be done". The first course came - and my husbands soup was forgotten. The waitress didn't come back to check in until most of the group was done. He eventually got his cold soup. When midnight rolled around, we were told there would be a complimentary pour of champagne, and they actually missed the countdown and we got our champagne well after midnight. I'm not complaining about the free booze, but timing was a bit off. Overall, service was poor but the food gets three stars. I'll go again on a non-holiday to give this place another try.
(3)Miss A.
This review is based on a brunch experience. I REALLY wanted to like this place, and was super excited to have the opportunity to go. I love the farm-to-table concept, and the menu and space look great. The location is great, the decor is great, and I appreciate that they accept brunch reservations (one of my pet peeves is waiting around on the sidewalk for a brunch table). Also, the service was lovely :) The coffee was, surprisingly, bad! You have a coffee shop a foot away in the same building! Ugh! I ordered an iced coffee and there were 3 melted ice cubes and it was otherwise warm. Clearly from a pot of hot coffee. I expect that from a crappy diner, but not a place like this. I had the skillet eggs, and they were not amazing. I prefer Nookies. The other people I was with had the BLT and the home-made sausage, each of which were better than mine.
(3)Amanda F.
My Birthday Brunch is one of the most important meals in my year. Perennial Virant was perfect! I loved everything from the scones, to the Blueberry Champagne Concoction, and the complimentary birthday coffee cake (nice touch Perennial). Last year, my Birthday Brunch was at Sprout. It was a bizarrely food-snobbish, expensive waste of eggs. Perennial was completely the opposite. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable. The prices were also very reasonably for a gourmet a la carte brunch. The scone plate offered a nice tasty variety of mini scones, muffins, and cakes. The mini chocolate chip muffins were a little too buttery and bland, but I loved everything else. The cinnamon bun was also delicious. I had the three-egg omelet with pesto, goat cheese, and prosciutto. I'm actually not an omelet lover, but I figured PV would be up to the challenge, and I was right. The omelette was fluffly and not overwhelmed by any of the various flavors. My friends had egg dishes as well, and loved them. The Birthday Coffee cake was moist and yummy. The waiter also brought out more than enough for the table to share. How nice! The scene is overall very refreshing and that "icing" on the (birthday coffee) cake. The dining room is lovely and open. Its sunny, not too crowded, and not too loud. I will definitely be back!
(5)Lotus G.
Great wait staff! Awesome local food! Their bread is to die for---homemade!! The food is off the charts! The gingerbread sundae was great! We got the three course meal before we headed to second city show. Yummo!!!
(5)Shay B.
We stopped in for a late night dessert and coffee. What a disappoinment for a restaurant that gets such good reviews. The sweet potato whoopie pie ($4) was laughable (I did laugh when I saw it) -- 2 small 'pies' about the size of a nickel (really!) with some sauce drizzled over the plate and a couple puddles of melted marshmellow. A two bite dessert not even big enough to taste the sweet potato filling. The ginger cake had a tasty ice cream and pear balls accompaning it, but the small rectangular chunk of cake was dense and tasteless ($10). And lastly, the fruit compote was not a compote at all, but a pudding similar to a chess pie with a puddle of something (fruit?) on the side (another $10). We are not big eaters, but the portions were pathetic even for us. For $10, I expected a rich and filling dessert. I would have been more satisfied with a Snickers bar. The food looks fancy, but is far overpriced. Don't think I will try anything else there, but go ahead only if you feel the need to follow the crowd that think its so cool to eat there.
(2)Leslie S.
Great experience at Perennial Virant during opening week. I highly, highly recommend! The restaurant has a very casual feel to it. We arrived about an hour before our reservation so we could enjoy a cocktail before dinner, and it was certainly worth doing. I had the Name TBD, which was a fantastic mix of vodka, ginger beer and blueberries. A definite winner. The name, by the way, is not to be determined, but actually stands for Tasty Blueberry Drink, according to our waitress. Perennial Virant has a small bar area, but also has lounge seating (and outdoor seating as well). The food was wonderful. Really, I'm still talking about it two days later. It's easy to see how Paul Virant earned his Michelin star (for Vie in Western Springs). We took the waiters advice and ordered three plates each (there were three of us dining) so we could sample as much as possible. I won't run through the whole order: must-haves include the bar snacks (with spicy nuts and addictive fried kale), the lettuces (11 different lettuce varieties and goat cheese that practically melts in your mouth - yum!) and the chicken fricasse (salty, but utterly wonderful). We were a bit disappointed with our original desserts (nougat glace and panna cotta) so we ended up ordering the baked chocolate mousse as well. Thank goodness, because it was a home run. The peppermint ice cream was wonderful, and the mousse itself was just delicious. A great way to end a truly delightful meal. My only complaint was the noise level. It was so loud in the restaurant that we ended up shouting at each other throughout the meal. Even the waiter said "I feel like I'm yelling at you guys." Not exactly an intimate dining experience, but the amazing food certainly made up for the volume in the room.
(4)Barbara L.
Had brunch here with 2 friends. We enjoyed their delicious homemade sausage, sticky buns, generous portions (go hungry) and fun atmosphere.
(4)Jim L.
The food and service here never disappoints. Our server recommended the perch salad, which I have to admit, did not sound appetizing. Words could not do it justice. Light and flavorful. The softshell crab was excellent also. Our server was friendly, helpful and there when we needed her. We will go back, for sure.
(5)Bob J.
The service was great. The home cooked nature of the food, locally grown, and the emphasis on no waste was a nice added touch. The food was delicious. Definitely would go back!
(5)Jessie N.
Perennial is my favorite brunch spot in the city. It's a perfect place to go when the weather is nice since I really enjoy their outdoor seating. I've been here with different groups and it seems like every item on the menu that is ordered gets stellar reviews. I like that they change things on the menu with the seasons. Their mimosas are always delicious. I especially loved when they had a blackberry mimosa last summer. My go to on the menu is the three egg omelet with prosciutto and pesto. Also, make sure to try the sticky bun. Beware - it's very good and everyone at the table is sure to want a bite when they see the sticky, yummy goodness come to your spot. Get a couple to share since they're not very big. Can't wait for spring so I can enjoy the restaurant and a stroll through Lincoln Park after. Perfect Sunday afternoon in the city!
(5)Corin C.
I was very disappointed in Perennial Virant and had higher hopes since I love Vie in Western Springs and respect Chef Paul Virant. I completely agree with Carol K's review. I lived in Old Town and love the area. Perennial has the perfect location and the dining area is very modern and clean looking. We sat outside and really was looking forward to dinner. I ordered the pan seared salmon. It was so dry and salty. Let me just say that my husband and I were starving and I would've eaten anything at that point. The salmon was served with a puree sauce and herbs on a bed of some type cold potato salad. The flavors and hot and cold of the salmon and potatoes did not blend nicely. Really? Were we at Perennial Virant or some wannabe imposter restaurant? My husband's dish was a pressed chicken with something. It's sad that it was just so forgetful. His chicken was also so dry and salty. Terrible. I would've enjoyed eating anything else but we were starving. Our waiter was attentive and kind. We didn't have the heart or time to point out the dismal quality of the meal and just chalked it up to not coming back for dinner. Their brunch menu looks fabulous and have many friends that love their brunch but dinner really left a bad taste in our mouths. I know we won't be back for dinner but don't know if we'll attempt the brunch after that experience.
(3)Heidi S.
We went to this restaurant last night for my mother's birthday. After reading other's reviews, I anticipated a great eating experience. Alas, I was somewhat disappointed. I will say that the atomsphere was contemporary and pleasant . The seating was comfortable even for the amply preportioned. The service was very good. Our wait staff were quite wonderful and even provided a cookie plate for my mother's birthday. So, I gave you a star for that. What was extremely disappointing was the limited menu that consisted mostly of fish. There were four fish items, a lamb neck stroganoff, a duck breast, a veggie skillet and cassolet. Only 8 main course items on the menu and no specials. I am not a fan of fish. So I honestly looked at the menu and chose the cassolet as the meal that I had the least issues with. I will say that I consider myself somewhat of an adventrous foodie (aside from fish) so it wasn't like I wasn't willing to "try something new". Having said that, I was really not impressed with the cassolet either. I have had better. The chunk of blood sausage hurt your presentation and I didn't taste any of the pork confit. Really not a tasty version of a cassolet. My comment to this restaurant is think about the public. Alot of people don't like fish or have allergies to fish. Diversify your menu to include a red meat and a poultry that isn't a "dark" meat. Or if you are so stuck on fish, add a shell fish. From what I read from others, this menu must be ever changing. I suppose we came on the "fish" night. Sadly, I don't think we will be back.
(2)Elizabeth N.
Sola (up in north center) is my all time favorite nice brunch place - for some reason I thought Perennial Virant would be similar (fresh, seasonal ingredients done in a unique way). We arrived with a reservation at 10 am...the place was just opening. After being seated we waited 10-15 minutes for coffee. While I don't drink coffee my mom was getting a bit upset and focused on the lack of service. We ordered the following: - Lemon Curd French Toast (AMAZING) - Egg White omelet with veggies, pesto and fresh cheese (not the best I have had - and very overpriced, considering there was maybe 2 egg whites used, and a pinch of shredded veggies but a healthy amount of pesto) - peameal bacon (which is Canadian bacon - it was lean but rubbery tasting) Overall a good brunch - not sure I'd rush to go back, especially when I live for Sola (which is cheaper and yummier!)
(3)Cristina T.
I was surprised for my birthday with a dinner at Perennial Virant by my boyfriend. Having dined at Vie in the past, I was excited to try another of chef Virant's restaurants. Although we had a reservation, we ended up waiting 20 minutes for a table. When we were seated near the back of the restaurant I was able to sit on a comfy couch. It felt like home. To start we had the "bar snacks". I especially liked the homemade pretzel. The corn nuts were sweet and spicy and addictive. We continued onto the charcuterie plate. I was impressed with the pate. However, we both felt that there was not enough meat on the plate to sample. The housemade bread served here is outstanding. It is crusty and a little sweet-try not to get too filled up on it. For my entree I ordered the chicken, served with sausage and pierogis. I normally do not order chicken at restaurants, but I know how well known chef Virant is for his dumplings. Needless to say this dish did not disappoint. The chicken was moist and juicy while the pierogis were buttery and doughy. I was in heaven. Since it was my birthday, my dessert came out with a candle on top! We split the cheese pie, which was pretty small. However, the crust was flaky and buttery. The cheese filling wasn't too sweet and the pistachio sorbet on top was divine. I would order a bowl of the sorbet by itself. Overall the dishes came out quickly and service was friendly. I would love to come back here for brunch!
(4)Tammy T.
The chicken fried pork loin was delicious! So was the strawberry-glazed donut. The lavender mimosa and the bloody mary with the elk-stick was fabulous too!
(4)Alyssa C.
If i could give it 4.5, I would. I have been here for brunch a while back and came back for dinner with a large group. Our party size kept changing, but the staff was very accommodating at changing our reservation. I would suggest a bunch of appetizers, the main entrees were not nearly as impressive as the apps. Especially the baked brie cheese with jam over top... not to mention the bread that was served with it. Great wine and amazing cocktails, awesome atmosphere. The only reason it got 4 stars was because my salmon was pretty dry and not that delish.. but i'd come back and just order a bunch of apps and wine...
(4)Janet W.
So glad I finally made it here for restaurant week. They changed their menu from the original $44 one posted online to a $33 three course menu. After hearing so much about the gnocchi, I had to try them so I ordered them on top of the three courses. - butternut squash soup: I had to fight the urge to not lick the plate - gnocchi: OMG it melted in my mouth... how can this be made from flour? - pork belly: tangy at just the right place - pear crepes: good, but the least impressive of what I tried The butternut squash soup is made with heavy cream and being lactose intolerant, my stomach did act up a bit. Still, I could down a bucket of that stuff. The servers were awesome (cute too), very knowledgeable about every item on the menu and made an excellent wine recommendation.
(5)Nicole C.
I was here for the first time just after Paul Virant took over. I can't speak for dinner, but brunch is amazing. It's nice to finally have an upscale brunch option in the Old Town area. To start, I had the sticky bun with vanilla toffee and toasted pecans ($4) and a glass of Klug Farm apple cider ($4). Both perfect for a crisp fall day. This was followed by a smoked and grilled ham steak, poached farm eggs, creamy grits, greens, and mustard gravy ($12). It tasted as perfect and delicious as it sounds. The atmosphere is the icing on the cake. Contemporary. Classic. Comfortable. Beautiful. I look forward to eating on the outdoor patio this spring and summer. Welcome to the neighborhood!
(5)Jeanne Z.
Excellent food and superb service! I was looking for a very nice restaurant to go to for my boyfriend's birthday. I stumbled upon Perennial's website. The place looked interesting, so I booked a reservation. We had a wonderful time! The decor is elegant, clean, and unique-looking. The chairs were very comfortable and everything was impeccably clean. The busboy and waiter were very nice and prompt. The portions were just right- not too small as is the case for most fancy restaurants, but not your typical huge platter potions either. The food was very rich and thus filled us up. Everything was delicious and wonderfully prepared. For dessert, the waiter brought out the dish with the words "Happy Birthday" written in chocolate syrup. Yum! So unexpected and such a nice touch. Perennial Virant is a place that really goes above and beyond- in terms of service by the staff, the food, the atmosphere, and overall making sure their patrons are having an enjoyable meal.
(5)matthew S.
Meh. This 2 star rating is a reflection of the how Perennial compares to its price range and obvious aspirations. In short, it falls way short. I was hoping for subtle food and hand-crafted old-time cocktails. What I got was certainly edible, but over-cooked sea bass. Drinks were OK, but hardly up to the high standards that have become the norm in the rest of Chicago.
(2)Sarah B.
My family was staying at the Hotel Lincoln so this was convenient to eat at. The food and service was beyond fantastic. We had the fried butternut squash beignets for an appetizer, diver scallops and the beef tenderloin for our entrees. We went back a day later. What great ambience and presentation
(5)chris c.
Went there for Brunch. Now there were some Absolute smashes. The sticky bun was unbelievable, their housemade sausage was to die for, but there were some misses as well. While the pork tenderloin and brown butter waffle was a great flavor combo, the tenderloin had an odd mouth feel to it. Like it had been sitting too long before being reheated. We also sent back eggs for being overcooked (they sent out a over medium order as well done) and when they brought them back, which took too long, they were still overcooked. The service is also really spotty for a place with such high aspirations. Coffee cups being left unfilled, going from having everybody tend to you right when you sit down to having hardly anyone check in mid meal. There are some really good things happening here but this had the feel of a place still working out the kinks as opposed to a finely tuned well run restaurant.
(3)Darian C.
Couldn't ask for a better location. Drinks at the J. Parker on the roof before dinner then dinner outside - such a quintessential Chicago experience. The food was amazing as well. Couldn't have asked for better service. What a great evening!
(4)Maria B.
One of my all time favorites ever in the history of ever, ever. Been here several times and every single time, everything is spectacular. Came in on Saturday for sexy date night. Wanted to try some things "outside the box" ...something just crazy....so I ordered chicken;-) HA. I never order chicken and I'm so glad I did. It was perfect..juicy, lots of flavor, on a mound of cheesy grits...I DIED. Our server Jason was outstanding. We were torn between a couple of sides to get...opted for 1...and he ended up bringing both cause he said the one we didn't get was too good to pass up (on the house). My boyfriend and I went here 2 and a half years ago on our first date and were trying to remember the wine we had. We asked the server if there was any way for him to find out (a long shot...but didn't hurt to ask). We gave him the date we came in...no other details, and he came back 20 minutes later with a receipt print out of our check from that night. I know this isn't something that is relevant to future diners, but it meant so much to have someone go out of their way to find that. That's the beautiful thing about this restaurant...the food speaks for itself...always phenomenal...but I feel like they go out of their way to make their guests happy. Thank you Jason for making a special night even more wonderful. I hope you get kudos from this review!
(5)Michael M.
Very rarely write poor reviews but perennial virant really disappointed. After reading that the restaurant was rated one of the top 10 new restaurants in chicago for 2012 I thought it was a sure bet. I have to say the service was great, the atmosphere beautiful, and price was to be expected. Perennial Virant suffered where it mattered most however, the food. This may be due to our selection off the menu so I will review each dish. Grilled Little Bloom on the prarie: The goat cheese standard, the jam great, but this dish which is served with fresh bread from local eateries tasted like a urinal cake. Once we used the jam and goat cheese with the provided table bread it was much better but still nothing outstanding. Crispy Carnaroli Rice: A very bland mix of rice and cheese, which ended up just tasting like a bland cheese. Was probably the most excited for this dish but was left searching for flavor. At least it didn't taste bad like the other two. Barramundi: The waiter explained to us how they only use local foods and raved about this particular fish as his FAVORITE dish. Well the waiter must have loved fish that's been lying around for a bit because this fish was terrible. Besides not tasting fresh there wasn't much other flavor to write about. At least when a bad restaurant tries to serve you bad fish they try to hide it by smothering it in some type of sauce. Hopefully my poor experience was due to my selection, but I think next time I'll go to one of the other fine restaurants chicago has to offer. (My favorite was MK so far!)
(2)Benton K.
Came for dinner on a Monday night. For the money, I would expect far better service, food, and all-around experience. Our waiter, though friendly, knew virtually nothing about the menu and at one point dropped an open beer off of his tray onto our table. As for food, whatever whitefish I ended up with was under-seasoned and pretty unspectacular. My sister's filet mignon was decent, but nothing to write home about. It felt as if the entire staff were brand new. Perhaps, if we had had more knowledgeable service, we could have avoided those mediocre dishes and the accompanying regret of having wasted an expensive meal in Chicago.
(2)Mike S.
I wish I would have reviewed Perennial Virant sooner, because the menu changes so often that I can't look through their current menu and remember everything that we enjoyed. I suppose that is a good thing, because they are always adjusting to serve whatever is best right NOW. I do remember that the salmon dish I had was the best piece of salmon I've ever had, anywhere. And the blueberry tart that we had for dessert was amazing. Absolutely perfect. The portions are a little small, and I do think it is a little pricey for the portion sizes and the atmosphere. It might feel different if the servers weren't so super casual. I did think it was a better value than Vie, and the food was simply better as well. We will definitely be back at some point to try new dishes as the seasons change.
(4)Kristin M.
Our plans for dinner at another Old Town restaurant fizzled when it was closed for renovations, so I used the "What's Nearby" feature on my Yelp app and discovered PV has a dinner menu (it's been on my "to try" brunch list forever). I couldn't be happier! Dinner was excellent. We ordered a starter, two small plates and an entree between the two of us and it was more than enough food. The price point is "spendy", as Yelp calls it, our total including a glass of wine and a cocktail was $100 plus tip, but well worth it. Here's the scoop, rated from best to worst: -GET THE STURGEON - it's a perfectly cooked, meaty fillet served with seasonable roasted vegetables (parsnip, carrots, fennel, pureed potatoes) covered in a maple glaze and, the piece de resistance, crispy braised shortribs! OMG, the whole dish was fantastic! -a very close second was the Crispy Gnocchi - gnocchi is really a hit or miss for me, most times it's too dense. This was light and fluffy, just the way it's supposed to be. The mushroom, truffle butter, provolone, turnip accompaniments made the perfect winter dish. I highly recommend it! -Braised Cabbage Rolls were essentially homemade sausage wrapped in a cabbage leaf. They were good and well seasoned, but the sausage was packed very tightly and was a little too dense. The dried apricots added sweetness, but I didn't think it needed it. -Cherry Bomb Pepper Poppers - not at all what I expected, I really could have done without these. They were hot peppers stuffed with pickled halibut (that was fishier than any halibut I've ever had) and tempura-ed. I just can't recommend these. As far as cocktails I had the Beet's Knees (he said it was a spin on the classic gin cocktail Bee's Knees, using a little beet juice for color). I was worried it would be too sweet, but it was very good. My friend enjoyed her riesling. The space was very nice, I can see it as a great date place and, when the shades are all raised, a nice sunny spot for brunch. I really enjoyed my dinner. The best part is the bottom of my receipt has a 15% off coupon to come back for brunch. Score!
(4)Jeff S.
For all of the great press that the Boka Group restaurants have gotten, I was mostly underwhelmed by PV. Maybe it was the selections we made. Maybe they had an off night (Sunday evening). Don't get me wrong; both the food and service were good, but the food in particular wasn't great, nor was it memorable. It's fairly easy to get reservations here, and if you're looking for a place to have a nicer dinner with family/friends/SO, then this isn't a bad choice, but there are better out there if you can get an Open Table.
(3)Linda B.
I had a lovely brunch at PV this morning. I used to really like Perennial and was glad that the restaurant still serves delicious food. There was a bit of a twist to everything, from my cocktail "brunch punch" that had a somewhat spicy flavor, to the surprisingly filling skillet, to the cheesy grits. All were tasty and beautifully plated (that doesn't usually matter much to me but it adds a little something extra when the food tastes so good). The service was a little iffy which is why this isn't a 5-star review but I overall had a great experience.
(4)Kristin S.
We had brunch with my stepdaughter and her boyfriend. It was a rainy day, so the coffee was nice and warm. I chose the house-smoked trout, crispy grits, pickled ramps, spicy tomato, sunnyside egg. The trout was extremely tasty. It was perfectly cooked and pretty much whole. Pan fried to perfection. The crispy grits on the other hand, well, I truly thought they were really, really stale croutons and pushed them aside. Then I remembered reading on the menu "crispy grits". Not good. I am a southerner and they were demeaning to the concept of grits. I went for the egg poached, because I don't do well with runny eggs. So, I was bit hungry still, as there was not much meat to the trout, and well folks, I do love a good satisfying meal. Sticky bun to the rescue. Well, I would come back and next time just order 2 sticky buns. These damn things were some of the best I have ever had. We also had some coffee cake, which was unremarkable. My daughter and her boyfriend had the sausage of the day, which was dry (strangely) and just so-so. I was a huge fan of Vie, as I live out in that neck of the woods, but it has declined in my opinion. I was hoping to find a sparkle of the old Vie here, and it was almost there. We were disappointed in the Bloody Marys here. At Vie the mixologist will rock your world. Bloodys there had home made jerky in them. Here at Perennial they were pretty pedestrian. But give PV a try. I still think he's got it!
(4)Jessica O.
So so yummy. Rice with cheese melty gooiness, gnudi with duck, and those bar snacks!? Fried cheese curds, pickles, spicy corn nuts. Numz. I had the semolina cake which was super delicious with grilled ramps. Dessert was also fabulous. We had a chocolate cake with white coffee ice cream, I had an orange cake with semifreddo and thyme crumble, and also and a goat cheese pie. Dear lord. Their cocktail list is also amazing. The place is within the Hotel Lincoln. It's full of comfy low couches, has a medium noise level, and is pretty hoppin.' Parking was pretty difficult, but the valet is helpful in a pinch.
(4)Jeff K.
Very good all around, but not cheap for what you get. If you go in and there's a chance to sit outside, it is worth waiting a few minutes, if possible. At brunch order the PV omelet or corned beef hash.
(4)A P.
Great seasonal food. Nice environment -- good natural light, big windows. Yummy desserts!
(4)Russell B.
Had a great dinner here with a group during restaurant week Love the focus on local produce and wish I would of gotten to experience more of their pickled product made on site. Service was outstanding, wish the beverage selection was a little larger. Each course of the restaurant week menu was great...bineata, gnocchi, and a chocolate moose. Will have to return when in the area during burch or lunch.
(4)